A Car-Free Neighborhood in the Desert

The whimsical, adobe spires of Culdesac Tempe are easy to spot from Apache Boulevard.  The 17-acre mixed-use development broke ground in 2021. It has since garnered attention for being a car-free neighborhood in the heart of the Phoenix valley.

The $200 million project hosts 288 apartment units, 21 local businesses, over 50 courtyards, and two dog parks. Residential units range in price from $1,500 for a 1-bed/1-bath to $2,400 for a 2-bed/2-bath with a private balcony.

What it doesn’t feature is parking.

Located in a city that has historically been heavily car-dependent, Culdesac is connected via a network of walkable, shaded corridors. The development doesn’t have any residential parking – instead, it utilizes all that extra space for walking paths, outdoor seating, the occasional outdoor market, and other civic amenities.

Notably, Culdesac is located along the Valley Metro light rail line, which spans approximately 30-miles and has over 40 stops across the metro area. Culdesac also has several rideshare pick-up/drop-off zones, e-scooter and bike parking, and access to hourly car rental services.

In a city that’s notorious for scorching hot summer weather, the development is very intentionally designed to beat the heat. The buildings are painted white in an effort to reflect the sun’s rays. They’re also narrow and shallow to promote cross-ventilation. The walkways are landscaped with desert plant species that cast shade and don’t require heavy watering.

Culdesac isn’t a perfect desert oasis, but it does offer a unique and innovative housing option in an area that was historically designed for cars. Since breaking ground, it has been extremely successful, so it may be a catalyst for similar projects in the future.