A Case for Car-Free Cities: The Europe Appeal

Europe’s allure is undeniable. It’s easy to get caught up in daydreams about wandering the quaint, cobblestone streets of an ancient town or people-watching on a bench in a buzzing plaza.

People may identify European cities’ rich culture, fascinating history, or delectable cuisine as the source of this appeal. But another essential element is their pedestrian-friendly streets.

In the United States, most of us drive to get almost everywhere. We either live too far from where we need to go or the existing infrastructure doesn’t allow us to safely arrive at our destination without the use of private cars. Even trips as simple as picking up a few items from the grocery store or squeezing in a 30-minute workout require us to hop into the driver’s seat.

The main culprit here is car-centered urban design. Most American cities were designed with the expectation that residents would use private cars to get around. This resulted in long distances between residential and commercial areas, limited sidewalks or bike lanes, and inadequate public transportation in many cases.

But the majority of European cities we romanticize were founded centuries before the invention of cars. Because of this, they were designed with people—not cars—in mind. This resulted in people-centered urban designs where walking was not just encouraged but expected.

This initial, walkable city structure remains a key element of Europe’s charm for American tourists today.

While Culdesac didn't set out to replicate European cities in the U.S., our goal was to utilize these people-centered design ideals to construct a neighborhood that prioritized community, mobility, and public space. Culdesac Tempe, the United States’s first car-free neighborhood built from scratch, is the result.

Our vibrant urban community spans 17 acres, 55% of which is dedicated to open space. But its two miles of walking and cycling paths will take you anywhere you want to go in a matter of minutes. The Coffee Shop, Street Corner Urban Market grocery store, and Cocina Chiwas restaurant are just a short walk from your front door, and so are the dog park, central plaza, and community garden.

In addition to this, the city of Tempe is just a short bike, scooter, or metro ride away. All of our residents receive exclusive mobility benefits including Lyft discounts and free metro access to ensure they can easily navigate the city without needing to own a car.

So if you crave the walkability and person-centered urban design of Europe but want to stay stateside, Culdesac is worth exploring.