This Neighborhood Has Banned All Cars. Instead, Everywhere Is Walkable in This Car-Free Community

In an innovative approach to urban living, Culdesac, a 16-acre neighbourhood in Tempe, Arizona, has emerged as the first modern car-free community in the United States, with design elements inspired by European coastal villages. This pioneering development, which began construction in 2019, aims to offer a sustainable, walkable living environment to its residents without the need for automobiles.

The vision behind Culdesac was conceptualised by architect Daniel Parolek, who drew inspiration from charming villages he visited in Italy and France. Parolek’s design philosophy centres on creating spaces that prioritise human interaction and accessibility, reflecting the pedestrian-friendly layouts of these historical towns. “These are places that were built prior to the automobile, so they were designed around accommodating people,” he explained. Unlike other places that have banned cars entirely—like Venice and Mackinac Island—Culdesac strives to create a “mobility-rich” environment while remaining devoid of cars.

Inside the neighbourhood, amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, dog park, and a variety of shops—including a James Beard-nominated Mexican restaurant, Cocina Chiwas—enhance the community’s appeal. Residents can easily access everyday necessities, such as doctor’s offices, and the layout encourages social interaction among neighbours. Public transport options further connect residents to downtown Phoenix and the airport, catering to visitors as well as those who live in the area.

Residents like Sheryl Murdock have been drawn to this eco-friendly community in an effort to reduce their carbon footprints. As a postdoctoral student focused on ocean sustainability at Arizona State University, Murdock appreciates the efficient public transport that allows her to reach her university in just ten minutes. For longer journeys, she utilises the shared electric cars available for hire, paying a nominal fee of $5 an hour.

As Culdesac gradually evolves, it is projected to house approximately 1,000 residents across 760 units. The project is already demonstrating a demand for car-free living in a region often viewed as heavily dependent on automobiles. Erin Boyd, the lead for government relations at Culdesac, noted, “Culdesac Tempe has shown that people do want to live car-free in the U.S., even in a metro area like Phoenix.” She emphasised that this success is changing the dialogue surrounding urban development in America.

Culdesac has also taken unique architectural steps to manage the harsh climates of Arizona. The design team deliberately chose a white colour scheme for the buildings, mimicking the net effect seen in Grecian aesthetics, which helps reflect sunlight and keep temperatures lower. Additionally, they placed buildings in close proximity to one another, providing shade and shelter from the heat. A study by Harvard researchers confirmed that ground temperatures within the neighbourhood could be 30 to 40 degrees cooler compared to outside areas, highlighting the effectiveness of these cooling strategies.

The spatial planning for Culdesac has prioritised elements of urbanism and placemaking, allowing for a sense of exploration and community engagement. The layout features narrow, winding paths and a variety of public spaces designed to encourage interactions among residents. Parolek’s team remarked that, “Once you pull the cars out, there’s so much more opportunity to make a vibrant, thriving community.”

Currently, over 600 residential units are available in Culdesac, ranging from studios to larger homes, with each unit featuring essential amenities like in-house laundry facilities. The community is also pet-friendly, appealing to a wide range of potential residents. Monthly rental prices for a studio begin at approximately £1,300, making it an attractive option for those seeking a new lifestyle.

In essence, Culdesac embodies the ideals of the progressive “15-minute city” concept, where daily necessities are within a short walking distance. As residents adapt to life in this car-free neighbourhood, they are discovering the benefits of a lifestyle that prioritises sustainability and community over vehicular dependency.