Location - Summerville, South Carolina
Median home price - $442,427
Delbert Eugene Del Webb (May 17, 1899 – July 4, 1974) was a prominent American real estate developer and sports entrepreneur, best remembered for pioneering the concept of retirement communities. Born and raised in Placer County, California, Webb lived with his guardians and two younger siblings. Early in life, he faced a serious bout of typhoid fever at the age of 28, which prompted his relocation to Phoenix, Arizona, for recovery. This move would later shape his career in real estate development in the Southwest.
Webb’s professional journey began with ship designing, but he gained widespread recognition through his firm, Del E. Webb Construction Company, which was involved in numerous influential projects, including residential, commercial, and civic developments. His vision extended beyond construction; he was instrumental in creating Sun City, Arizona, in the early 1960s, one of the first master-planned communities designed specifically for retirees, combining affordable housing with recreational and social amenities.
Apart from real estate, Webb was deeply involved in professional baseball. A former semi-professional player and lifelong fan, he partnered with Dan Topping and Larry MacPhail to acquire the New York Yankees (then sometimes referred to as the Highlanders) in 1945 for $2.8 million. After buying out MacPhail in 1947, Webb maintained a controlling interest in the team until 1964, when he sold it to CBS for $11.2 million.
Del Webb’s legacy is defined by his innovative contributions to real estate development and sports management, leaving an enduring impact on community planning and American baseball history. His work reflects a combination of entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and dedication to enhancing lifestyles through thoughtful design and strategic investments.