Re: is there a way
I had the same problem until I figured out the best way to handle it.
What you want to do, is create what I call a "Template" save, or a "Starter" save.
Basically, you start an entirely new game, create or place all the houses, commercial lots, townies, absolutely everything. Just don't play it. Take your time! Get it PERFECT. When you're done, just save it and quit.
Any time you want to start a new playthrough, just load your Template save, immediately do a Save-As and give it a new name! You'll have a brand-new world already populated with your favorite houses, townies, etc.
Go all out! I have TONS of townies I created... Famous Youtubers, actors/actresses, Characters from games like Liara and Miranda, I completely build Chloe's house from Life is Strange, and put in Chloe, Rachel, and Joyce... Max Caulfield and Victoria Chase are roomies now. Elsa and Anna, Chloe and Kara from Detroit living in Carl's mansion, A lot of my own builds, some gallery builds I really liked. Redesigned some of the existing townies... Created a ton of my own...
It's a lot of work but you end up with a world you really like, already fully populated with all your favorite sims.
