During a recent trip to Tempe, Arizona, I discovered Culdesac, a revolutionary car-free neighborhood redefining suburban living in the Phoenix area. This walkable enclave, launched in 2023, represents a shift in priorities for Millennials and Gen Zers, who are increasingly willing to invest in communities that prioritize people over cars.
A Radical Departure from Car Culture
Culdesac Tempe stands out as the first neighborhood in the U.S. deliberately designed without cars from the ground up. Spanning 17 acres, this ambitious community in east Tempe-just a short distance from Arizona State University-had already welcomed 200 residents by early 2024, with plans to grow to 1,000.
Behind this bold project is Ryan Johnson, the neighborhood’s cofounder and CEO. Johnson’s global travels to cities like Budapest and New York ignited his passion for urban design that prioritizes pedestrians and smart transit systems. Drawing on his experience in real estate and transportation, Johnson created Culdesac as a place where modern mobility solutions replace car ownership. A Phoenix native, Johnson has lived car-free for over a decade and now resides at Culdesac.
Life Without Cars
Culdesac eliminates car dependency by offering alternative transportation solutions. Residents rely on walking, bicycles, and electric scooters to get around. For visitors and delivery drivers, designated parking is provided, but residents are strictly prohibited from parking within a quarter-mile of the property-a rule enforced through their leases.
To make life easier for its car-free residents, Culdesac provides a $3,000 annual mobility package. This includes unlimited access to the Valley Metro light rail, discounts on ride-hailing services like Lyft, and access to Waymo’s self-driving taxis. While living without a car is seamless within the neighborhood, navigating car-centric areas outside its boundaries can be a challenge.
A Hub of Activity
The heart of Culdesac is its bustling central plaza, conveniently located near the light rail station. This vibrant space serves as a community hub, hosting weekly events like the Little Cholla night market, where live music, food trucks, and local vendors create a lively atmosphere. The plaza also features shaded seating areas, games, and a striking sculpture that doubles as a canopy.
The plaza is home to a two-story gym with expansive windows, offering fitness classes and modern equipment. Across the way, a variety of micro-retail shops-operated by residents-line the streets. These shops, which include a plant store, art studio, and market, serve as both businesses and homes for some owners, thanks to zoning regulations that allow live-in retail spaces.
Dining options include Cocina Chiwas, a family-run restaurant specializing in Chihuahuan cuisine. Open since 2023, the eatery’s outdoor seating adds to the neighborhood’s inviting charm.
Designed for Desert Living
Culdesac’s design takes Arizona’s extreme summer heat into account. Instead of traditional asphalt, which exacerbates heat, the neighborhood uses cooler materials. Buildings are painted white to reflect sunlight, while narrow pathways and close building placement maximize shade. Between residential units, courtyards with fire pits, hammocks, and shared grills encourage interaction among neighbors.
Half of Culdesac’s area is dedicated to green spaces and landscaping, providing plenty of room for relaxation. The neighborhood offers a range of housing options, from studios to three-bedroom apartments, with rents starting at $1,300 per month for a studio. Currently, 172 units are available, and the development is on track to expand to 760 apartments.
Building a True Community
More than just a car-free neighborhood, Culdesac fosters a sense of connection that’s often missing in traditional suburban settings. Residents frequently interact while walking through the neighborhood or visiting shared spaces. Brad Biehl, a young resident from Ohio, shared how living at Culdesac has changed his daily experience. “In most places, you go straight from your front door to your car. Here, I can’t walk anywhere without running into neighbors-it’s a completely different way of life.”
Though still in its early stages, Culdesac is already proving that a car-free lifestyle can bring people closer together. As the community grows, its innovative design and vibrant atmosphere are set to make it a model for future developments across the country.