HIGHLIGHTS
- Del Webb has shaped 55+ living since Sun City opened in 1960.
- Homes feature first-floor owner’s suites and energy-efficient design.
- Amenities range from golf and pools to hundreds of clubs.
- HOA fees fund the amenities and upkeep residents actually use.
- Communities span Arizona, Florida, Texas, and many more states.
Del Webb is one of the most well-known and trusted active adult community builders in the nation, with communities known for abundant amenities, high-quality homes, and low-maintenance living. The name is nearly synonymous with life after 55, but plenty of active adults are still weighing the real question: Is Del Webb a good builder?
With dozens of communities operating under the Del Webb and Sun City brands, many buyers have said yes. This overview covers Del Webb’s history, home features, amenities, costs, and how to find a community that fits.
History and Reputation of Del Webb
Contractor and carpenter Delbert Eugene Webb began the Del Webb Corporation in 1928. In its early days, the company grew its reputation by building grocery stores, schools, Las Vegas hotels and casinos, and several large-scale government-contracted facilities. According to the State Library of Arizona, the firm completed roughly $100 million in government contracts during World War II, growing from small-scale construction into a major regional contractor.
Del Webb’s 1960 venture into active adult community development reshaped the industry. Before the first Del Webb active adult community, only a wealthy few could afford to live in age-restricted neighborhoods. Del Webb’s Sun City in Arizona finally made an active retirement lifestyle more accessible. The community opened on January 1, 1960, and it helped pioneer the modern active adult community as we know it.
With extensive shared amenities, innovative floor plans, and like-minded neighbors, Sun City put Del Webb’s name on the map. Over the coming decades, Del Webb created more active adult communities in Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, and other states, making the company a household name in 55+ living.
Features of Del Webb Homes
Del Webb puts the active adult lifestyle first in the design of its homes. Across a wide range of floor plans, you’ll find first-floor owner’s suites, accessible storage, open layouts, and plenty of space for entertaining.
Energy Efficiency
Del Webb sustains sensible, tried-and-true building processes while staying current on energy efficiency and comfort. Energy-efficient features of Del Webb homes include advanced appliances and HVAC systems, special windows that help control temperature, electric car outlets, fluorescent and LED lighting that lasts longer than traditional bulbs, and heat-resistant roofing.
Multiple Warranties
According to Del Webb, homes come with a ten-year warranty that covers structural integrity. Additional warranties include a five-year water leakage warranty, a two-year mechanical systems warranty, and a one-year materials and craftsmanship warranty.
Amenities in Del Webb Communities
Del Webb popularized many of the shared amenities prized in any active adult community today. The builder’s amenities offer entertainment, exercise, relaxation, and new experiences. The range varies by community, but all amenities share the goal of enriching residents’ lives.
For example, the original Sun City in Arizona has multiple recreation centers, a championship golf course, well-equipped fitness centers, arts and crafts studios, outdoor and lap pools, on-site retail, and several athletic courts. Many communities also feature parks, greenspaces, and lakes surrounded by walking and biking trails.
What It Costs to Live in a Del Webb Community
Home prices at a Del Webb community vary widely by location, home size, and the community itself. The profiles below show that range in action: resale homes below $100,000 at the original Sun City, and properties well over $1 million in destination markets. Where a home lands in that range depends on the region, the floor plan, and nearby amenities.
Beyond the purchase price, most Del Webb communities charge a monthly homeowners association (HOA) fee, and those dues keep the amenities running. HOA fees at active adult communities typically cover:
- Upkeep and staffing of clubhouses, pools, and fitness centers
- Maintenance of common areas, greenspaces, and shared roads
- Landscaping, and often lawn care for individual homes
- Community activities, clubs, and social programming
Here’s the honest trade-off: The more amenities a community offers, the higher its monthly dues tend to run. General estimates from AmeriSave put active adult community HOA fees in the $200 to $400 per month range, with amenity-heavy communities running higher. For context, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a national median HOA fee of about $135 a month across all HOA types in 2024, and retiree-heavy states like Arizona and Florida have a higher share of homeowners who pay HOA fees. For buyers who use the clubhouses, pools, golf, and daily activities, those dues often deliver real value for the money. Weigh the full pros and cons of Del Webb communities before deciding.
Popular Del Webb Communities
Sun City Summerlin – Las Vegas, NV
Low $300ks – Mid $1Ms
Sun City Summerlin offers the benefits of a Del Webb community within reach of Nevada’s most popular city. Located 20 minutes northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, Sun City Summerlin contains 7,779 attached and single-family homes.
Residents enjoy four distinct clubhouses, each with unique amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, theatres, restaurants, and pickleball courts. Golfers can play on three different courses. When residents are not enjoying the amenities or exploring Las Vegas, they can find something to do on the social calendar. Some of the activities, clubs, and classes include Tai Chi, WateRobics, Folk Ethnic Dancing, and hiking club.
Sun City – Sun City, AZ
Below $100k – Low $1Ms
The original Del Webb community in Sun City has grown to include 28,257 homes across three zip codes. This community offers a self-contained city complete with a hospital, shopping, restaurants, worship centers, a performing arts theater, and two libraries. Residents can reach Phoenix in 25 minutes.
The amenities include seven clubhouses, arts and crafts facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and 11 golf courses. Miles of walking trails connect residents to the amenities, and a full social calendar offers more than 200 clubs.
With thousands of homes in the community, those considering a move to Sun City will find plenty of options. Many homes feature open-concept floor plans, first-floor owner’s suites, and ample room for entertaining.
Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX
Low $300ks – Low $1Ms
Located 45 minutes north of Austin, Sun City Texas brings Del Webb’s quality and reputation to the Lone Star State. Austin offers a lively arts scene and a deep selection of local cuisine. Residents of the 9,900 single-family and attached homes also enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Wide open greenspaces and abundant natural life give the community the feel of a wildlife sanctuary. Nine miles of trails wind through the nature preserves, three 18-hole golf courses, and outdoor amenities.
With 86,000 square feet of indoor amenities, residents enjoy a 20,000-square-foot fitness center, lap pool, and multiple studios dedicated to crafts like woodworking, jewelry making, and stained glass. Residents take part in dozens of clubs and activities such as softball, golf tournaments, language club, aviation club, and movie night.
Del Webb Charleston at Nexton – Summerville, SC
High $300ks – Low $900ks
Del Webb Charleston at Nexton offers the best of South Carolina’s landscapes within 45 minutes of Charleston and the Atlantic Coast. Homeowners can easily reach scenic sandy shores such as Sullivan’s Island Beach, Isle of Palms Beach, and Folly Beach.
Residents enjoy amenities exclusive to the active adult community as well as the wider amenities found throughout the master-planned Nexton development. These include 2,000 acres of greenspace, 50 miles of walking and biking trails, a disc golf course, a pool, and the Midtown Clubhouse. The 1,400 residences include single-family, attached, and condominium homes.
Del Webb Ponte Vedra – Ponte Vedra, FL
High $300ks – Mid $800ks
As an ever-popular retirement destination, Florida is a natural fit for a Del Webb active adult community. Del Webb Ponte Vedra includes 1,988 single-family, attached, and condominium homes, with neighbors who enjoy getting together for clubs, interest groups, and activities.
The scenic location puts homeowners within 35 minutes of Jacksonville and 15 minutes of Atlantic Coast beaches. Numerous parks and nature preserves also line the St. Johns River. Amenities center on the Anastasia Club, a 37,800-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, indoor pool, ballroom, lounge, and arts-and-crafts studios. Outside, residents enjoy an outdoor pool, two event lawns, athletic courts, and a walking trail.
Sun City Palm Desert – Palm Desert, CA
High $300ks – Mid $1Ms
Active adults considering a move to the West Coast should consider Sun City Palm Desert, a community of 4,949 homes. Residents experience an active lifestyle in the pleasant Californian climate, with a busy event calendar and friendly neighbors.
Sun City Palm Desert features three clubhouses, each with distinct amenities and restaurants. Residents can enjoy two 18-hole courses, multiple fitness centers, outdoor pools, arts and crafts rooms, and miles of walking trails.
The surrounding area provides homeowners with conveniences, entertainment, dining, and well-known attractions. Residents can reach the eclectic downtown area of Palm Springs in 30 minutes, wildlife experiences at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in 20 minutes, and wide-open desert views at Joshua Tree National Park in 60 minutes.
How to Explore Del Webb Communities
Interested active adult homebuyers can visit one of Del Webb’s design centers to see personalization features in person. Through the Experience Del Webb visit program, prospective residents can spend the night in a Del Webb home, share meals with current residents, tour a community’s amenities, and sit in on a club or activity to get a real feel for daily life before deciding.
Finding the right Del Webb community can be difficult. It ultimately comes down to individual preferences and budgets. The real estate experts at 55places can help narrow your choices, arrange a visit, and connect active adults with Del Webb representatives.
Explore Del Webb Communities by State
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Del Webb community?
A Del Webb community is an age-restricted, active adult neighborhood built by Del Webb, generally for residents 55 and older. Most offer low-maintenance homes designed for single-level living, extensive amenities like pools, fitness centers, and golf, and a packed calendar of clubs and social activities. Del Webb and its Sun City brand operate communities across the country, ranging from large self-contained cities to smaller enclaves within larger master-planned developments.
Who was Del Webb?
Del Webb was Delbert Eugene Webb, the contractor who founded his construction company in 1928. He grew it from small-scale building into a major regional contractor. His company opened Sun City, Arizona, on January 1, 1960, the project widely credited with pioneering the modern active adult community and making the Del Webb name a fixture of 55+ living.
How much are HOA fees at a Del Webb community?
HOA fees at a Del Webb community depend on the location and how extensive the amenities are, so there’s no single figure. As a general benchmark, monthly dues at active adult communities typically range from $200 to $400, with amenity-heavy communities running higher. Those fees fund clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, common-area maintenance, and often landscaping. For an exact number, check the specific community you’re considering, since dues vary from one neighborhood to the next.
What is the most popular Del Webb community?
Sun City in Arizona is widely considered the most popular Del Webb community, and for good reason: it started the whole active adult movement in 1960. Today Sun City spans more than 28,000 homes across three ZIP codes, with its own hospital, shopping, theaters, libraries, seven clubhouses, and 11 golf courses. Few communities match its scale or history, which is why it remains a top draw for active adults exploring the Del Webb name.
Where are Del Webb communities located?
Del Webb communities are located across much of the country, with especially heavy concentrations in Sun Belt retirement destinations like Arizona, Florida, Texas, California, and Nevada. You’ll also find them in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, and beyond. Availability shifts as new communities open and existing ones sell out, so the state-by-state guides above are the best way to see which communities are currently selling in the area you’re considering.
Ready to Find Your Del Webb Community?
Take the next step toward a home in a Del Webb community, and a 55places real estate expert will guide you through the homebuying process from start to finish. Contact 55places.com today!
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