For the last several months, I have been escaping the DC cold and traveling around to warmer areas. My travels have brought me to Phoenix. While traveling around I have not had a car, so I generally get the explore the walkability and public transportation of each city.
Phoenix has stood out to me as one of the oddest places for the no car life style. The street I am on is a main street with a train that runs up and down the street and hits many of the populated areas. The store mix on the street is not bad, with generally restaurants and connivance stores within a half mile to one mile walk. However, this is where the oddity comes in. The stores have a face towards the main street with the public transportation and the sidewalks, however this is actually the back of the store with the main entrance of the side with parking lot behind.
This is an interesting city that seems to be trying somewhat to decrease car dependence, but clearly has an ingrained dependence on cars from the residents.