I've done my research and used the search function. But all of the threads are from 6-9 months ago.

How many hexes should I space my cities?

I realize it is near impossible to work every tile, so I think 3 hexes inbetween each city should be ok, what do you think?

If I'm not mistaken 3 tiles was the minimum pre-patch, but now 4 tiles is the minimum.

Not seeing any changes. Where are you seeing the 4 hex change?

Apples & Oranges:

Bamboocha is counting the city tile itself; Mattavich is not.

As to how many hexes should you use; map dependent and in general should not be a set number; any fixed set number will lock you out of any city working some resource hexes.
Instead plot where you want the next cities over to be to ensure you don't lock yourself out working key tiles.

its more about roads.....4 seems like the most, sometimes I push 5 if I have to.