Tempe car-free community sees success and aims for growth

TEMPE, AZ — If you think you need a car to live in Arizona, hundreds of people in Tempe are working to prove you wrong.

Tempe resident Carl Parrish hasn’t had a car in nine years.

“People assume that if you don’t have a car in America, especially in Arizona, it’s because you can’t afford a car,” Parrish said.

But for him it’s a choice.

“I knew it was healthier. I knew I had a better sense of my community as I walked around. I knew I had more contact with my neighbors. From a stress standpoint, an economic standpoint, and a health standpoint, it was the right thing to do.”

Parrish says this lifestyle is only possible because of the unique design of his community.

CuldesacTempe250 people currently live in the building, which opened more than a year ago.

A neighborhood with zero parking spaces, designed entirely with a focus on walkability and alternative transportation.

According to Culdesac CEO Ryan Johnson, the idea was met with skepticism at first.

“When we started in 2018, we were laughed out of the room. People said cities wouldn’t want it and there wouldn’t be demand. “This has really changed.”

Johnson says the community’s popularity has grown since those early days, and Culdesac Tempe is growing, aiming to reach 1,000 residents within the next few years.

There are also plans to create more car-free communities throughout the Valley and beyond.

“Transportation is improving,” Johnson said. “Waymo doubles in size every six months. There has been a proliferation of e-bikes. “Our residents’ number one means of transportation is light rail, and this transportation portfolio works and creates a great life.”

Construction is currently underway at Culdesac Tempe on new units, as well as more retail and community amenities in the neighborhood.

Although the neighborhood is designed for those who prefer to walk, bike or take public transportation, visitors are also welcome.

For those not ready to give up their cars, there is visitor parking at Culdesac.