Del Webb 55+ Communities in Arizona
Planning a retirement move? Here are all the Del Webb retirement communities around Phoenix, Arizona, from the original Sun City to the newest builds still selling today, with the details that actually matter.
Del Webb didn’t just build active adult communities — it invented them. When Del E. Webb opened Sun City on January 1, 1960, it was the first master-planned 55+ community in the country, and it drew crowds no one expected. More than sixty years later, Del Webb (now part of PulteGroup) has built more Arizona active adult communities than any other builder — from the three original Sun Cities to newer golf communities still selling new homes today.
That history matters to buyers. So many of the people we work with come to us saying a friend or family member lives in a Del Webb community and loved it. Founder Jarl Kubat has spent 22+ years inside these communities, and we know the real differences between them — not just the brochures. Here is every Del Webb community we serve, what sets each apart, and which ones are still building.
In fact, Jarl lives in Arizona Traditions in Surprise, a short drive from The Grand, Sun City West and Corte Bella. So when we compare Del Webb retirement communities and say one has a great golf course or a busy rec center, it’s because we’ve been there, not because a brochure said so.
What sets a Del Webb community apart
The name carries weight for a reason. Del Webb communities tend to hold their value well on resale, they’re built around deep amenities — golf, rec centers, pickleball, and clubs by the dozen — and the homes are almost all single-level, which matters more as the years add up. What changes from community to community is the age of the neighborhood, whether there’s a gate, how much golf, and whether you can still buy new.
The Del Webb communities we serve
Sun CityResale
The original — opened in 1960 and built out by the late 1970s. The most affordable way into the Del Webb lifestyle, with eight resident-owned golf courses and a 33-acre lake.
Sun City WestResale
Del Webb’s bigger second act, opened in 1978 and built into the late 1990s. Resident-owned rec centers and nine golf courses make it one of the best amenity-per-dollar values in the Valley.
The Grand (formerly Sun City Grand)Resale
Built from about 1996 to 2005 in Surprise. Four golf courses, three activity centers, and a resort feel — open, not gated. See the floor plans.
Sun City FestivalStill building
Del Webb’s Buckeye golf community, open since 2006 and still building new homes with current finishes, out on the West Valley’s growing edge. See the floor plans.
Sun City Anthem (Merrill Ranch)Still building
A newer Del Webb community in Florence, still building, with golf, a water park, and resort amenities — one of the more affordable ways into a brand-new Del Webb home.
Corte BellaResale
The gated Del Webb country club near Sun City West, built through the 2000s. Smaller and more upscale than the big Sun Cities, with its own golf course and a guard gate. See the floor plans.
SoleraResale
A gated Del Webb community in the heart of the East Valley, built in the early 2000s. No golf course, but hard to beat for location — close to Chandler shopping, dining, and medical.
Solera at Johnson RanchResale
Del Webb’s gated Solera community in San Tan Valley, inside the Johnson Ranch master plan. Established and value-priced, with resort amenities but no golf course of its own.
Reading the cards: “Homes from” is the lowest sale in the last 90 days from the Arizona Regional MLS (fall 2026). It’s often a smaller home, a patio home or a home that needs work, so most homes sell for more; see current numbers on our Arizona 55+ communities map. Also, “Age” is the minimum to buy — several communities allow one occupant as young as 45. Home counts are approximate, and an asterisk (*) marks a community still building toward its planned size. And at every Del Webb community, HOA dues cover the common areas and recreation — golf runs on its own membership and green fees, separate from your dues.
Which Del Webb retirement communities fit you best?
Most buyers narrow down the Del Webb retirement communities with a few questions. Here’s how we usually sort them:
- Lowest prices: Sun City and Sun City West, where homes have sold from the low $100s, often patio homes and townhomes.
- Most golf and amenities: Sun City West (nine courses) and The Grand (four courses, three activity centers). Golf is separate from your HOA dues.
- A brand-new home: Sun City Festival in Buckeye or Sun City Anthem in Florence.
- A gate: Corte Bella in the West Valley, or the two Solera communities in the East Valley.
Still torn? Then read our side-by-side guides: The Grand vs. Sun City West vs. Sun City and Sun City vs. Sun City Festival.
Which Del Webb communities are still building new homes?
Most of the Valley’s Del Webb communities are established and sell as resales — which is often where the value is. But if you want a brand-new home with current finishes, two Del Webb communities are still building: Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch in Florence and Sun City Festival in Buckeye. If either one interests you, please read the note just below before you contact the builder.
⚠ Buying new construction? Contact us FIRST — before the builder.
This is the one thing that trips buyers up. If you tour a builder’s model home or register on the builder’s website without your own agent, the builder can refuse to let us represent you afterward — and you lose an advocate for the rest of the build. So before you reach out to Del Webb about a still-building community, contact us first. We’ll get you registered with us from day one, then represent you through the incentives, the lot premium, and the contract, with someone on your side of the table. More on our new build homes in Arizona 55+ communities guide.
New Del Webb home or established resale?
It’s the first question we help buyers sort out. A new build gets you current finishes and warranties but a premium price and a wait; an established Del Webb home in Sun City or Sun City West gets you mature landscaping, proven amenities, and more house for the money. Neither is “better” — it depends on your budget and how soon you want to move. We’ll walk you through both honestly.
Other Del Webb communities in Arizona (outside our service area)
Del Webb also builds in the Tucson area. We focus on metro Phoenix and don’t serve southern Arizona — but here they are for the full picture. Headed that way? We’re glad to connect you with a trusted agent down there. (There are no Del Webb communities in Flagstaff or northern Arizona.)
Del Webb at Dove Mountain Not our area
Del Webb’s active Tucson-area golf community, still building north of Tucson in the Dove Mountain area of Marana.
Sun City Vistoso Not our area
An established Del Webb community in Oro Valley, north of Tucson — built out and selling as resale, with golf and mountain views.
These Tucson-area communities are outside our service area. If you’re shopping there, reach out and we’ll refer you to a trusted local agent. You can also see them on Del Webb’s Tucson page.
Browse floor plans for every community we serve → · See all Arizona 55+ communities we serve →
Weighing a Del Webb community?
Tell us how you want to live — golf, gate, new or established, West Valley or East — and we’ll point you to the right Del Webb community and the right home.
Tell Us What You’re Looking For Call or Text (480) 710-6326
A friend loved their Del Webb home?
I’m Jarl Kubat, a licensed Arizona agent with 22+ years in the state’s 55+ communities. I’ve walked homes in every Del Webb community above and I’ll give you the straight story on how they really compare — the golf, the gates, the fees, and where the value is. No pressure, just honest local guidance.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 Contact PageFrequently asked questions
Del Webb communities in Arizona: everyday questions
Is a Del Webb community a good place to retire?
For active buyers, Del Webb is one of the safest choices in Arizona. The communities are built around deep amenities, the homes are single-level and hold their value on resale, and the brand has a 60-plus-year track record starting with Sun City in 1960. Which Del Webb community fits you depends on budget, whether you want a gate or golf, and new versus established — which we’re glad to talk through.
What is the most affordable Del Webb community in Arizona?
Among the Del Webb retirement communities here, it’s usually Sun City. Recent sales there have started around $110K, followed by Sun City West from about $160K. However, those lowest prices are often condos, patio homes or homes that need updating, so most homes sell for more. Call us for today’s numbers.
Are all Del Webb communities gated?
No. The classic Sun Cities — Sun City, Sun City West, and The Grand — are open, not gated, and many residents prefer that. Corte Bella and both Solera communities are gated. If a guard gate is a must-have (or a dealbreaker), tell us and we’ll match you accordingly.
Del Webb communities in Arizona: new homes
Does Del Webb still build new homes in Arizona?
Yes. Both Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch in Florence and Sun City Festival in Buckeye are still actively building new Del Webb homes. The rest are established communities that sell as resales. If you buy new, we represent you through the build — ask us how buyer representation works before you visit a model.
Are Del Webb homes single-level?
Almost always, yes. Del Webb built its Arizona communities around single-level living, which is a big part of why they work so well for 55+ buyers. A few plans offer an optional loft or casita, but the standard is one level.
About this page: This is independent, buyer-focused information from Jarl Kubat, a licensed Arizona real estate agent, and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Del Webb or PulteGroup. “Del Webb” and community names are used only to identify the communities described. Community facts — home counts, build years, gates, golf, HOA and golf fees, age rules, and new-home availability — are set by each community and builder and change without notice; figures are approximate, summarized for general information, and current for 2026 as provided. Confirm current details with the community or your licensed agent before you rely on them.
Listing accuracy: Property listings and availability are drawn from the Arizona Regional MLS and are believed accurate but not guaranteed. Listings change throughout the day; confirm details with your agent before relying on them.