Over the past several years, builders have adapted to shifting consumer preferences with products designed to accommodate evolving lifestyles.
In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, features such as Zoom rooms, home offices, and indoor-outdoor spaces rose up the wish lists of homeowners. The rise of remote work also meant many households no longer needed to live near employment centers. More recently, smaller floorplans are resonating with buyers—particularly first-time buyers—to solve for affordability challenges and keeping costs down.
PulteGroup, the No. 3 company on the 2025 Builder 100, responded to another evolving lifestyle trend in March with the launch of its Del Webb Explore brand. An extension of its 55-plus resort lifestyle brand Del Webb, Del Webb Explore targets buyers of any generation, offering the same amenities and attractions as Del Webb communities without the age restriction.
A recent survey from PulteGroup provides the data underscoring the strategic move. Approximately 62% of Gen Xers—ages 45 to 60—surveyed by the builder want to spend their retirement years living among a mix of people from different generations and life stages. Among respondents 53 or older, the number rises to 66%.
“The takeaway from our recent Gen X survey dovetail with a trend we are seeing in the market: People who are pondering retirement often want the amenities and lifestyle of an active lifestyle community, but many of them would prefer to continue living in a setting that includes multiple generations,” said PulteGroup president and CEO Ryan Marhsall. “PulteGroup recently launched the Del Webb Explore brand to meet the needs of this growing segment of customers, with the first communities opening this year and more to come.”
Del Webb Explore communities capture the essence of Del Webb’s resort experience—clubhouses, high-end fitness centers, zero-entry pools, pickleball courts, walking trails—without the 55-plus age restriction. Homes in Del Webb Explore communities feature open-concept layouts, high-end finishes, and flexible spaces to support entertaining and multigenerational living.
“[Gen Xers] are at a stage where they value experiences, connection, convenience, and flexibility, and Del Webb Explore delivers on those priorities,” PulteGroup chief marketing officer Manish Shrivastava told BUILDER following the brand’s launch in March. “Whether it’s accommodating older children, having grandkids visit, or simply enjoying a social environment with people of all ages, Del Webb Explore delivers on these needs with luxury amenities and a resort-style experience without restrictions.”
At the time of its launch, the first Del Webb Explore communities were planned for southern California and Tampa, Florida. The first Del Webb Explore community is in Palm Desert, California and will have 332 units when completed. The Del Webb Explore North River Ranch community will be part of the North River Ranch master-planned development in Florida.
Recently, PulteGroup announced the expansion of the brand to a third market: Columbus, Ohio. Del Webb Explore at Northstar will offer 570 homes when completed.
“Throughout the Midwest, we’ve seen strong interest from active-adult home buyers that want vibrant lifestyle and world-class amenities that Del Webb has to offer, without having to move away from friends, family, and grandchildren,” said Jim Marcero, PulteGroup’s Columbus division president.
