In early 2024, 25-year-old Jada Stratman was looking for retail space for her candle company, Brite Candle Co.
“[It’s] “This is the first car-free community in the United States to be built from scratch,” Culdesac CEO Ryan Johnson told CNBC Make It.
Cars are not allowed on Culdesac’s streets, and residents are unable to park their vehicles on site. Residents can receive discounts on transportation services such as self-driving cars Waymo.
“Our community prioritizes 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 more than 1,000. Apartments there range from studios to three-bedroom units, starting at about $1,400 per month.
“Since moving to this walkable neighborhood, I feel like I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and gained so much more,” Stratman told CNBC Make It. “They’re not anti-cars; they’re just anti-cars Dependence on cars.”
Culdesac CEO Ryan Johnson told CNBC Make It that Culdesac is “the first car-free community in the United States to be built from the ground up.”
Mickey Todiwala. Photography: CNBC Produced It
Stratman moved into a live-work space in Culdesac in February. The Brite Candle Co. store is in the front, with Stratman’s bedroom and other living space in the back. The unit features a walk-in closet as well as a washer and dryer.
“I can actually have a retail store that’s open to the public and make money from my apartment,” she said.
“At first, it was a little uncomfortable to have so many people in my living space, but over time, I got used to it. I was actually happy to have people making candles.”
Stratman pays $1,472 a month in rent, plus $140 for utilities and internet. Stratman’s upfront cost includes a $1,000 security deposit.
Stratman uses the front room of her Culdesac apartment as retail space for her candle business.
Mickey Todiwala. Photography: CNBC Produced It
Culdesac offers Stratman and other residents a pool, fully equipped gym, rental cars and light rail. Each resident also receives a free e-bike. There are several shops and a supermarket in the community.
Although there are no cars, Culdesac still offers parking spaces for visitors and residents in need.
Stratman does own a vehicle and keeps it off the property as required, but she said she has “actually become less dependent on my vehicle, even though I use it for business purposes.”
Stratman’s units feature walk-in closets as well as washers and dryers.
Mickey Todiwala. Photography: CNBC Produced It
Stratman doesn’t expect to leave the community anytime soon. “I have been very introverted and focused on myself since I was a child,” she said. “So coming here and meeting all the friendly people I met and the connections I made is why I chose Culdesac.”
“Having a live and work space actually saves me a lot of money,” she said.
Since moving in, Stratman has seen her business grow and hopes to eventually move into a larger retail space there.
“have [my work and home] It’s very helpful to get involved, especially for small business owners who don’t make thousands of dollars.
Stratman’s live-work space also has a patio where she can relax and store the electric bike she bought when she moved in.
Mickey Todiwala. Photography: CNBC Produced It
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