First, awesome changes and I'm really looking forward to it. Second, let me know if any of the following ideas have already been put in place or mentioned.
To spread some of the players out from Serbule, you could put in a poetry podium in Serbule Hills and Eltibule. Add in some trainers for the different skills (blacksmithing, leatherworking, tanning to name a few) to both Serbule Hills and Eltibule. Add bookcases to each zone, and allow players to manage items in zones adjacent to their current zone from a bookcase, maybe at a small cost? Lastly, move some services around in Eltibule. Move some of the trainers out of Hogan's Keep and into or closer to Eltibule Keep, and make another garden area near Hogan's Keep.
Anyway, keep up the amazing work you guys are doing.