Yes, I think so. The Industries, Mass Transit, and Park Life DLCs are very important. Some of the other big DLCs are helpful, but not as impactful. I've ignored the music and content packs.
Be sure to install the TPME, Move It, and Network Extensions mods. There are other good mods, but those are critical. Also set TPME's dynamic lane selection to between 60 and 90 percent and maybe single digits of wreckless driving too. I also added more sizes of parks, schools, police, fire, medical, and other civic buildings because not every part of the map needs a big fire station and the built in elementary school is too low capacity. Also search for "growable" RCI to help add variety to your zones!