bizarre cause of lag/freeze issue - 1st post updated 8/26/13

Have you tried to wait until about 3 am during the game, not real time - and bring up the cheat console. Type in -

resetsim *


As you could have a stuck sim somewhere in the hood creating that problem - even more likely if you have pets. The above cheat will reset the entire neighborhood so if anyones including pets are stuck, it will send them home. It is best after 3 am, and before 4 am - that way the sims are all home and no vehicles will be left behind.