I think it's the same for everyone. My layout has my town in 3 chunks with 2 chunks being separated by rivers so I can't explore. I did manage to grind enough to pay off my rent, request the house be built, and get Blathers tent set up. We also aren't allowed to visit other folks yet, the DODO...
I got to set up my tent, paid off my tent and requested an upgrade to a house with an aqua roof, I donated items to Nook until I got to set up Blathers tent. I earned a ton of nook Miles and I'm ready to see what tomorrow brings.
I'm playing New Leaf and Pocket Camp, I'm trying to focus on just that. I mean once the new console comes out next week, I think that'll be a distraction too.
I hope that the Nook miles are super versatile. I want to use them to buy things and expand my town. I like that bells won't be the driving force because it did make the game super grindy at least for me in New Leaf.
I'm so excited, it's been a fever pitch of excitement. Ordering accessories, finding local friends, sharing a friend code with others. I actually found 8 other girls live in the Sacramento area so we made a Facebook group. I restarted ACNL in the meantime.