Can't load into households

On one specific save (I can't seem to encounter this on my other saves), I am able to go into build and buy and also cas for any lot or household but when I try to actually play the game no matter which household my game gets stuck on the loading screen for ever and I have to force close the game with task manager. I've had loading issues before and game crashes, but nothing to this extent/ typically fixes after relaunching.

Before the update, I backed up all my saves, but the issue still occurs in the backed-up version. I have tried with and without mods, and I have done all the clear-cache stuff and tried to repair through the EA app. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be very appreciative.