About this episode
Doug and Carl visit Culdesac, a unique car-free rental apartment community in Tempe, AZ that redefines the typical American neighborhood by focusing on sustainability, communal living spaces, and alternative transportation options. The guys are joined by members of the FI community (including Pete Adeney (Mr. Money Mustache), Paula Pant, Brad Barrett, and Chad Carson) to discuss Culdesac with co-founder and CEO Ryan Johnson. The group explores Culdesac’s aims, design, how it represents a potential model for future urban planning, and concludes with a discussion on the importance & challenges of creating walkable, car-free communities. Pete also shares his personal experience living in this community to include the impact of car-free living on personal finance, happiness, and building community. Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI ) Not planning to move to Tempe, but still looking for community? If so, head over to Buy Me A Coffee to hang out with us. Links Culdesac Connect with Culdesac: Twitter/X Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Pete Adeney/Mr. Money Mustache Chad Carson Chad Carson, “The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor” Kindle Paperback Audiobook Brad Barrett/ChooseFI Paula Pant/Afford Anything JD Roth/foldedspace “The Strong Towns” Podcast Mile High FI Facebook Group Doug’s site Carl’s blog: 1500 Days — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s our email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals. ** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles 1500 Days, Carl’s Blog about Early Retirement Email us here: doug@milehighfi.com or carl@milehighfi.com 0:00 Introduction 4:18 Welcome to Culdesac 8:48 Car ownership and transportation alternatives 13:14 Demand for walkable neighborhoods 20:38 Influences & future plans for Culdesac 25:54 Defining a walkable neighborhood 32:34 Success of Culdesac & future projects 37:36 Pete’s personal experience 43:50 Community and iteration & learning 48:56 Challenges & strategies for building a new community