First Look: Culdesac Brings Car-Free Living to Car-Centric Phoenix Article originally posted on HERE on August 2, 2023 In a metro that’s been called “sprawling,” “car-centric” and “the world’s least sustainable city,” one new development stands in steadfast defiance. State of play: Culdesac, near downtown Tempe, is Arizona’s first car-free community and it looks and feels entirely different from the dozens of other apartment buildings springing up across the Valley. That’s in large part because it doesn’t dedicate half its land to parking, the way a typical development would, Culdesac external affairs lead Erin Boyd tells us. Instead, 55% of its 17 acres is reserved for public space, in the form of wide paseos, gathering areas, restaurants and a grocery store. The development mimics the design and architecture of a European metropolitan with the buildings close together to provide shade throughout. There’s no asphalt in order to combat the urban heat island effect. Why it matters: This housing project shows what’s possible in a city with an increasing number of mass transit and micro-mobility options and offers a product for people who want a car-free lifestyle. At a large enough scale, this type of development that eliminates private vehicles could help with Phoenix’s ozone pollution. The intrigue: The gamble of selling carless living in car-dependent Phoenix seems to be paying off: There’s a waitlist of 600 people who have paid a deposit to live at Culdesac, Boyd says. How it works: There are only pay-to-park visitor spots, since residents are encouraged to use alternative transportation, like: Light rail: The apartment complex is across from the Smith-Martin/Apache station and Culdesac worked with the city to build a crosswalk that will give residents direct access to the platform. Bikes and e-bikes: The first 250 residents will receive a free Lectric e-bike. Archer’s Bikes will also open an on-site shop with special resident perks. Rideshare: Residents will get 15% off Lyft rides and there will be dedicated pickup and drop-off spots at the complex. How it works: There are only pay-to-park visitor spots, since residents are encouraged to use alternative transportation, like: Light rail: The apartment complex is across from the Smith-Martin/Apache station and Culdesac worked with the city to build a crosswalk that will give residents direct access to the platform. Bikes and e-bikes: The first 250 residents will receive a free Lectric e-bike. Archer’s Bikes will also open an on-site shop with special resident perks. Rideshare: Residents will get 15% off Lyft rides and there will be dedicated pickup and drop-off spots at the complex.