In early 2024, Jada Stratman, 25, was looking for retail space for her candle business, Brite Candle Co. That’s when he found Culdesac.
“[It’s] the first car-free neighborhood built from the ground up in the US,” Culdesac CEO Ryan Johnson tells CNBC Make It.
Cars are not allowed on the streets of Culdesac and residents cannot park their vehicles on site. Residents are offered discounts on transportation services such as Waymo, a self-driving car.
“Our communities prioritize biking, walking and transit over cars and parking,” the website states.
The community, located in Tempe, Arizona, has 180 residents with plans to grow to over 1,000. Apartments there range from studios to three-bedroom units, and prices start at about $1,400 a month.
“Since moving into this walkable community, I feel like I’ve definitely taken a lot more out of my comfort zone,” Stratman tells CNBC Make It. “They’re not against cars; they’re just against car addiction.”
Culdesac is “the first car-free neighborhood built from the ground up in the US,” Culdesac CEO Ryan Johnson tells CNBC Make It.
Mickey Todiwala. Photo by CNBC Make It
Stratman moved into one of Culdesac’s live-work spaces in February. Brite Candle Co. Store. it is located forward and Stratman’s bedroom and other living spaces are behind. The unit features a walk-in closet and a washer and dryer.
“I’m able to have a public-facing retail store and also make money from my apartment,” she says.
“At first, it was a little uncomfortable to have so many people in my living space, but over time, I’ve gotten really used to it. I’m actually really excited to have people come over and make candles.”
Stratman pays $1,472 a month in rent and an additional $140 for utilities and Internet. Stratman’s initial costs included a $1,000 security deposit.
Stratman uses the front room of her Culdesac apartment as a retail space for her candle business.
Mickey Todiwala. Photo by CNBC Make It
Culdesac offers Stratman and other residents access to a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, rental cars and light rail. Each resident is also given a free e-bike. The community has several shops and a supermarket on site.
Although car-free, Culdesac still has parking spaces for visitors and residents who need them.
Stratman owns a car and keeps it off the property, as required, but says she has “actually become less dependent on my vehicle, although I do use it for business purposes.”
Stratman’s unit features a walk-in closet and a washer and dryer.
Mickey Todiwala. Photo by CNBC Make It
Stratman doesn’t see himself leaving the neighborhood anytime soon. “I’ve always grown up so introverted and on my own,” she says. “So coming here and meeting all the friendly people I’ve met and the connections I’ve made is why I chose Culdesac.”
“Having a live-work space has saved me a lot of money,” she says.
Since moving in, Stratman has seen her business grow and wants to eventually move into a larger retail space there.
“Having [my work and home] integrated into one has been so helpful, especially for a small business owner who isn’t making thousands of dollars.”
Stratman’s live-work space also has a patio that she uses to relax and store the electric bike she got when she moved.
Mickey Todiwala. Photo by CNBC Make It
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