I was wondering if there is a way to vary the townies that show up? It seems like I always have the same ones, but there are supposed to be like over 300 in the game. I know that townies are set up so that when one is removed they get replaced by a new townie, but there has to be a better way then sitting and either killing them or moving them into a lot.

If you have the relevant expansion packs, then create the associated sub-neighbourhoods. Visiting the community lots there and holiday destinations throws up loads more townies. Have fun!