A Bold Experiment in Urban Living
Imagine stepping out of your home into a neighborhood where the hum of car engines is replaced by the clink of coffee cups, the chatter of neighbors, and the soft whir of bicycle wheels. This is the reality in Culdesac Tempe, the first modern car-free neighborhood in the United States, located in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. Built from scratch on a 17-acre plot, this community is redefining urban living by banning private vehicles and prioritizing people over pavement.
What Is Culdesac Tempe?
A Vision Born from European Inspiration
Culdesac Tempe is a groundbreaking residential development that opened its doors to its first residents in 2023. Designed by architect Daniel Parolek, the neighborhood draws inspiration from the walkable, human-scale towns of Mediterranean Europe, where narrow streets and vibrant plazas foster community and connection. Unlike the sprawling, car-dependent suburbs typical of the Phoenix metro area, Culdesac is a bold statement: a place where cars are not just unnecessary but entirely prohibited for residents.
Why Ban Cars?
The decision to ban cars stems from a desire to address the environmental, social, and health challenges of car-centric urban planning. Cars contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions—about 29% of U.S. emissions, according to the EPA—and urban sprawl isolates communities, making daily tasks like grocery shopping or socializing dependent on driving. Culdesac’s car-free model aims to reduce carbon footprints, improve air quality, and bring neighbors closer together.
The Origins of Culdesac Tempe
A Response to Car-Centric Culture
The Phoenix metropolitan area, where Tempe is located, is notorious for its car dependency. With sprawling suburbs, limited public transit, and scorching summer temperatures, owning a car is often seen as a necessity. But Ryan Johnson, Culdesac’s co-founder, saw an opportunity to challenge this norm. Inspired by his travels in walkable cities like Budapest and Tokyo, Johnson envisioned a community where residents could thrive without relying on personal vehicles.
From Vision to Reality
The $170 million project transformed a former car body shop and derelict buildings into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. Construction began in the early 2020s, and by 2023, the first 36 residents moved in. When fully completed by 2025, Culdesac will house around 1,000 people in 760 units, complete with shops, restaurants, and amenities—all within walking distance.
How Culdesac Tempe Works
A “Mobility-Rich” Environment
Culdesac’s mantra is “car-free, but mobility-rich.” Residents have access to a variety of transportation options, including:
- Light Rail: A nearby station connects Culdesac to downtown Phoenix and beyond.
- Shared Electric Cars: For longer trips, residents can borrow electric vehicles.
- Robotaxis: Autonomous taxis provide convenient, on-demand transport.
- E-Bikes and Scooters: Rentable bikes and scooters make short trips a breeze.
- Walking Paths: Narrow, shaded walkways encourage pedestrian travel.
Amenities at Your Doorstep
The neighborhood is designed to minimize the need for travel. On-site amenities include a grocery store, restaurants, a yoga studio, a coworking space, a dog park, and even a Korean bodega. This mixed-use approach breaks from traditional U.S. zoning laws, which often separate residential and commercial spaces, forcing residents to drive for basic needs.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 17 acres, with 760 residential units planned |
| Transportation Options | Light rail, shared electric cars, robotaxis, e-bikes, scooters, walking |
| Amenities | Grocery store, restaurants, yoga studio, coworking space, dog park, pool |
| Completion Date | Expected full build-out by 2025 |
| Environmental Impact | Potential to prevent 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually |
The Benefits of a Car-Free Neighborhood
Environmental Impact
Switching from cars to walking, biking, or public transit can reduce an individual’s carbon emissions by 2.2 to 3.6 tonnes annually, according to the United Nations. When Culdesac reaches its full capacity of 1,000 residents, it could prevent approximately 3,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere each year. Additionally, the absence of asphalt parking lots lowers surface temperatures by up to 40°F compared to surrounding areas, mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Health and Wellness
Walking and biking aren’t just eco-friendly—they’re good for you. Studies show that active travel reduces stress, boosts immunity, and increases dopamine levels, which are linked to energy and mood. Even public transit users burn more calories than drivers, as they often walk to and from stations. Culdesac’s design encourages residents to move more, fostering a healthier lifestyle.
Community Connection
Without cars zipping through, Culdesac’s central plaza becomes a communal living room. Residents like Sheryl Murdock describe the experience as “like being in Greece,” with fairy lights, vibrant murals, and the hum of conversation creating a sense of belonging. The neighborhood’s layout encourages spontaneous interactions, whether it’s a chat over coffee or a game of cornhole in the plaza.
Economic Savings
Owning a car is expensive—gas, maintenance, insurance, and parking fees add up quickly. In Culdesac, residents can redirect those funds to other priorities, like travel, hobbies, or savings. The neighborhood’s proximity to amenities and transit options further reduces transportation costs.
Challenges of Going Car-Free
Overcoming Skepticism
When Culdesac was announced, many doubted its viability in a car-dependent region like Phoenix. Critics questioned how residents would manage without personal vehicles, especially for longer trips to workplaces or hospitals. However, the neighborhood’s robust mobility options have silenced many skeptics, proving that car-free living is feasible even in a sprawling metro area.
Navigating a Car-Centric Region
While Culdesac itself is car-free, the surrounding Phoenix area remains heavily car-oriented. Strip malls and warehouses border the neighborhood, and 59% of the region’s jobs are more than 10 miles from residential areas, according to Census Bureau data. Residents may still need access to cars for certain trips, which is why Culdesac offers shared vehicles and transit connections.
Cultural Resistance
In the U.S., cars are more than transportation—they’re a symbol of freedom and independence. Convincing Americans to give up their vehicles requires a cultural shift. Culdesac’s success depends on residents embracing a slower, more connected way of life, which may not appeal to everyone.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduced carbon footprint | Limited appeal in car-centric areas |
| Health benefits from active travel | Access to distant locations |
| Stronger community bonds | Cultural resistance to car-free living |
| Lower transportation costs | Initial skepticism from residents |
A Day in the Life at Culdesac Tempe
Picture this: you wake up in your cozy apartment, grab a coffee from the on-site café, and stroll to the coworking space for a day of work. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, you hop on an e-bike to run errands at the grocery store. In the evening, you join neighbors for a yoga class in the plaza, the warm Arizona air buzzing with laughter and connection. No car keys, no parking hassles—just a seamless, human-centered day.
This lifestyle isn’t just a fantasy; it’s the reality for Culdesac’s residents. Sheryl Murdock, one of the first to move in, says the absence of traffic noise makes her feel like she’s on a Mediterranean island. “You hear people, not engines,” she told the BBC. “It’s transformative.”
Comparing Culdesac to Other Car-Free Places
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island, another U.S. locale famous for banning cars since 1898, offers a historical contrast to Culdesac’s modern experiment. Located in Lake Huron, Mackinac relies on horses and bicycles for transport, giving it a nostalgic, “Bridgerton”-esque charm. While Mackinac’s ban preserves its Victorian-era heritage, Culdesac focuses on forward-thinking urban design and sustainability.
European Car-Free Zones
Cities like Ghent, Belgium, and Barcelona, Spain, have implemented car-free zones with great success. Ghent’s city center restricts cars to promote pedestrian and bike traffic, while Barcelona’s “superblocks” reclaim streets for public use. Culdesac takes these ideas further by building an entire neighborhood from the ground up, free from the constraints of existing infrastructure.
| Location | Key Features | Primary Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Culdesac Tempe | Modern, mixed-use, mobility-rich | Walking, biking, light rail |
| Mackinac Island | Historic, tourism-focused, Victorian charm | Horses, bicycles |
| Ghent, Belgium | Partially car-free city center, bike-friendly | Bikes, public transit |
| Barcelona, Spain | Superblocks, pedestrian-focused | Walking, biking, transit |
People Also Ask (PAA)
What is the car-free neighborhood in the U.S.?
Culdesac Tempe, located in Tempe, Arizona, is the first modern car-free neighborhood in the U.S. Built from scratch, it bans private vehicles for residents and offers amenities like shops, restaurants, and transit options within walking distance.
Why are cars banned in Culdesac Tempe?
Cars are banned to reduce environmental impact, promote healthier lifestyles, and foster community connection. The neighborhood’s design eliminates the need for personal vehicles by providing walkable amenities and alternative transportation options.
How do residents get around without cars?
Residents use a mix of walking, biking, e-scooters, shared electric cars, robotaxis, and a nearby light rail station. This “mobility-rich” approach ensures easy access to both local and regional destinations.
Is Culdesac Tempe a good place to live?
Culdesac offers a unique, sustainable lifestyle with lower transportation costs and a strong sense of community. However, it may not suit those who prefer the convenience of personal vehicles or need frequent access to distant locations.
How to Experience Culdesac Tempe
Visiting as a Tourist
Culdesac welcomes visitors curious about car-free living. Take the light rail from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (about 30 minutes) or downtown Phoenix (45 minutes) to the Apache Blvd station. If driving, park at Culdesac’s visitor lot at 2025 E Apache Blvd, Tempe. Explore the plaza, try pottery at Pip Crafts + Clay, or browse sustainable fashion at Sew Used.
Living in Culdesac
Interested in moving to Culdesac? Apartments range from studios to multi-bedroom units, with leasing information available at culdesac.com. The neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a sustainable, community-oriented lifestyle, though prospective residents should be comfortable with alternative transportation.
Best Tools for Car-Free Living
To thrive in a car-free neighborhood, consider these tools:
- E-Bike Rentals: Services like Lime or Spin offer affordable e-bikes for short trips.
- Transit Apps: Apps like Citymapper or Google Maps help navigate public transit routes.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Waymo’s robotaxis provide convenient, driverless transport.
- Smart Bikes: VanMoof or Cowboy bikes with GPS and anti-theft features are great for daily use.
The Future of Car-Free Living in the U.S.
Culdesac Tempe is more than a neighborhood—it’s a proof of concept. Its success challenges the assumption that cars are indispensable, even in sprawling cities like Phoenix. As urban planners and developers take note, we may see more communities adopt similar models, especially as climate concerns and demand for walkable spaces grow.
Cities like San Francisco and New York are already experimenting with car-free zones, such as the 14th Street busway in Manhattan. Meanwhile, innovations like congestion charges and reduced parking minimums are gaining traction. Culdesac’s model could inspire a new wave of urban design, prioritizing people over vehicles.
FAQ
How does Culdesac Tempe handle deliveries?
Deliveries are managed through centralized drop-off points, with residents picking up packages on foot or by bike. Some services use cargo bikes or small electric vehicles to navigate the neighborhood.
Can visitors bring cars to Culdesac?
Visitors can park in a designated lot at 2025 E Apache Blvd but cannot drive within the neighborhood. Walking, biking, or using transit is encouraged.
Is Culdesac Tempe affordable?
Pricing varies, but Culdesac aims to offer competitive rents compared to other Tempe apartments. Savings on car-related expenses can offset costs for many residents.
How does Culdesac stay cool in Arizona’s heat?
Whitewashed buildings, shaded walkways, and the absence of asphalt reduce surface temperatures by up to 40°F. The neighborhood’s design traps breezes, enhancing comfort.
Are there other car-free neighborhoods in the U.S.?
While Culdesac is the first modern car-free neighborhood, places like Mackinac Island, Michigan, have banned cars for over a century. Some urban areas, like parts of New York City, have car-free zones but not entire neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Culdesac Tempe is a bold reimagining of what a neighborhood can be. By banning cars and prioritizing people, it offers a glimpse into a future where cities are designed for connection, sustainability, and well-being. Whether you’re a curious visitor or a potential resident, Culdesac invites you to step into a world where the streets are alive with human energy, not engine noise. Ready to explore? Hop on the light rail, grab a bike, or simply walk—and discover a neighborhood that feels like a breath of fresh air.
