>>53256114It's still the ONLY starting town that has more than one map connection AND you have to pass through at least twice in the main story. Every other one is either just a dead-end or has multiple map connections but you only really need to pass through it once or twice at the beginning of the game.
Being able to decorate your room is another feature that makes it truly feel like your home rather than just a starting point in a game. I really have no idea why this was never brought back and expanded on.
I definitely know what you mean with the pine trees. I think every other region uses primarily oaks or palm trees (Alola and Paldea), sparesely populated around the town. But New Bark is surrounded by a thick forest of corniferous trees that makes it feel tighter and more homely. They remind me of the forests I used to play in as a kid, especially the Lake of Rage.
