Culdesac Tempe Defies Expectations

Despite initial skepticism about its true potential for sustainable urbanism, the built-from-scratch “car-free neighborhood” is widely popular with its residents.

2 minute read

February 10, 2025, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Colorful two-story buildings close to each other in Culdesac Tempe development.

Culdesac Tempe / Culdesac Tempe

Culdesac Tempe, which billed itself as the nation’s first ground-up car-free neighborhood, seems to be a success for its residents, writes Ben Ikenson in Dwell.

With the first phase finished last year, the high-profile development continues to unfold on a 17-acre site along a light rail line in an established neighborhood about 15 miles east of downtown Phoenix. The $200 million project now includes 288 apartment units with about 300 tenants, reeling residents in with appeals of a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle, built-in community with ample amenities, and accessible transit to Tempe and the greater metro area.

According to Ikenson, the neighborhood received criticism for being relatively isolated and, according to Strong Towns, not “the incremental urbanism and thickening our cities need.” (Later, Strong Towns revised its opinion, noting “We all have a hand in building strong towns, and it can take many different forms. We’re here to celebrate every effort.”)

Residents seem satisfied with the neighborhood’s walkability, amenities, and transit access. The community offers free e-bikes and transit passes — and residents actually use them. Residents also say rents are reasonable, with studios starting at $1,300 per month in a region where median rent for a studio is $1,375.

Kevin DeGood, director of infrastructure policy at the Center for American Progress, acknowledged the community’s success, noting, “We need more housing and land use experimentation, not less. And bold experiments like Culdesac show there is real demand for alternatives.”

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in Dwell

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

White Waymo autonomous car driving fast down city street with blurred background at night.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars

Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

4 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

6 hours ago - Governing

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

June 16 - UNM News