I too would avoid the residential areas. Mixed with your Industry is fine as they pollute also. I often build a little area with water treatment, garbage and power plants mixed together in a visually pleasing way. You might mix bus or taxi depots, road maintenance buildings, and perhaps police, fire and medical buildings. You can zone offices and commercial nearby as they do not complain about the polution. Be sure not to place them near any Water Towers or you will make citizens sick. Every city I build is different so have fun.