In Culdesac Tempe, a purpose-built community in Tempe, cars aren’t just discouraged—they’re banned. Designed to feel like a Mediterranean village, the neighbourhood replaces traffic noise with conversation, walkable plazas and narrow pedestrian paths lined with homes, shops and shared spaces. Residents commit to living without personal vehicles, relying instead on walking, cycling, public transit and ride services. The idea, inspired by pre-automobile towns in places like Italy and Greece, is simple: build a place around people rather than cars, so daily life naturally happens within a short, social, human-scale environment. 

The project is also a response to the downsides of car-centric city planning in the US, which has led to sprawl, pollution and social isolation. By removing cars, Culdesac encourages more interaction, reduces environmental impact and creates a quieter, more connected way of living. Everything residents need—from groceries to coworking spaces—is within walking distance, making car ownership unnecessary rather than inconvenient. While still an experiment, it reflects a growing movement to rethink urban design and prove that American neighbourhoods can function—and even thrive—without cars.