This is the first US community that banned cars, and its residents are loving its walkable neighborhood

In Phoenix, Arizona, a unique neighborhood called Culdesac Tempe is generating quite a buzz.

Imagine, in the heart of the bustling desert city, a place where cars are absent, and residents couldn’t be happier!

This innovative neighborhood is a first of its kind in the modern United States.

Built from scratch on a 17-acre plot, it’s a stark departure from the typical concrete sprawl of Phoenix.

Culdesac Tempe arose from what was once an old car body shop and some rundown buildings.

Now, it’s a refreshing experiment, offering a lifestyle rarely seen outside of college campuses, Disneyland, or European travels: a pedestrian-friendly, car-free community on a human scale.

What makes a car-free neighborhood special?

Cars present significant challenges for cities, affecting air quality, increasing congestion, and harming residents’ health.

Emissions contribute to pollution and respiratory problems, while traffic jams cause stress and productivity loss.

Car-free neighborhoods offer a solution by reducing reliance on cars, improving air quality, reducing noise, and enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport promotes physical activity and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

What’s inside Culdesac Tempe?

Culdesac’s design combines a Mediterranean village look with “desert urbanism” features to combat heat, including pavers, white paint, and native plants.

A standout aspect of this evolving area is the thoughtful creation of plazas and pools linked with a Light Rail Crossing that blends seamlessly into the neighborhood.

Unlike typical city settings where asphalt worsens temperature changes, this community chooses earthy, permeable materials that reduce heat buildup and encourage a bond with nature.

Temperatures on walkways can be as low as 90F (32C) compared to 120F (48C) outside.

At the heart of this vision lies “Middle Missing Housing.”

“The concept fills a gap in the US urban landscape between single-family homes and tall apartment blocks. It focuses on human-scale, walkable communities no taller than three stories, fostering a sense of place and visual delight. Inspired by Tucson’s Barrio Viejo, it combines inviting aesthetics with practicality for a vibrant living experience,” said Erin Boyd, government and external affairs lead of Culdesac Tempe.

This deliberate integration of public and private areas and a focus on abundant greenery and desert-friendly plants forms a network of interlinked courtyards and streetscapes that encourage exploration and socializing.

In addition to its practicality, this neighborhood exudes an unmistakable artistic touch in every detail.

“This is meant to be like more you’re wandering through a European Village, and then people come here, and they’re like, oh where am I’m in Phoenix,” said Culdesac’s Erin Boyd.

From carefully chosen colors embellishing doorways and walls to the delicate dance of light and shadow, each aspect is designed to evoke feelings of peace and community.

“Every single inch of this place has had a lot of love, care, and attention,” Boyd added.

Meanwhile, the community values economic growth and social cohesion beyond physical structures, fostering small businesses in live-work units to enrich the local economy and strengthen community bonds.

However, the rise in property values raises concerns about gentrification, risking the displacement of long-term residents and the loss of socioeconomic diversity.

Preserving the neighborhood’s authenticity and inclusivity is essential to prevent it from being overtaken by gentrification and commercialization as it evolves.

Amidst these challenges, the architects and visionaries leading this project are dedicated to finding harmony between advancement and conservation, innovation, and inclusiveness.

Drawing from timeless urban design principles while embracing modern perspectives, they’re shaping a sustainable, vibrant urban life model in the desert’s core.

Ryan Johnson, the 40-year-old co-founder of Culdesac Tempe, is enthusiastic about expanding the Culdesac concept to other cities.

He expressed optimism, stating, “This is something that the majority of the US wants, so they can work all over the country.”

Johnson emphasized the widespread demand for such developments, noting that cities and residents across the nation have expressed interest.

He reiterated their commitment to building more projects like Culdesac Tempe in response to this demand.

Due to a waiver from Tempe’s parking requirements, the 17-acre Culdesac Tempe community will house 1000 residents without parking, except for guests.

However, ample bike parking is provided, and all residents receive free yearly light rail passes.

While currently for rent only, future plans may include options for residents to buy their homes.

“People are happier and healthier, and even wealthier when they’re living in a walkable neighborhood,” said Johnson.

Take a tour inside Culdesac Tempe by watching the video below:

See more amazing videos like that by following Kirsten Dirksen.