Del Webb Wilmington

Pros

• The Del Webb Riverlights community is great, with a first-rate amenity center and easy access to shopping.
• The neighborhood provides beautiful amenities in a scenic setting and offers many activities for retirees.
• The home floor plans are comfortable and well suited for residents.
• The warranty process is expedient and smooth, with helpful staff such as Caitlin.
• Neighbors are friendly, open, and engaged, creating a welcoming community.
• There are many clubs and groups for existing hobbies or new ones, making it easy to participate.
• The community offers appealing facilities: pools (indoor and outdoor), gym, pickleball courts, and a 3.5-mile walking path around the lake.
• The location is close to shopping and near the river, adding to the appeal.
• The lifestyle manager is dedicated to keeping residents active and excited.
• Kayaking and river access features are a perk for water enthusiasts.

Cons

• They claim that during the one-year warranty phase, Del Webb/Pulte will not make things right.
• The flooring has had issues from day one and, after four fix visits, is still not right.
• The concrete is not level and causes the floor to heave.
• The back patio slider doors are out of square.
• The master shower door is out of square because the tile seat thickness wasn't accounted for, leaving the top track misaligned.
• A neighbor's house remained under construction with five construction managers and was left idle because stairs in the garage were forgotten.
• There are numerous minor issues across homes (gaps in moldings, light switches not square, paint quality), and some residents have not been able to resolve them.

Review

Del Webb at Riverlights is portrayed here as a vibrant and appealing retirement-focused community that blends a beautiful setting with strong amenities and an active social life. Many residents praise the neighborhood for its location - near the river, within easy reach of shopping, and surrounded by a landscape that invites daily outdoor activity. The Riverlights project, with its lakeside feel and multiple recreational facilities, helps create a lifestyle that feels both relaxed and engaging. They describe a sense of belonging that grows quickly, thanks in large part to a welcoming atmosphere and a culture of activities that range from fitness to clubs and organized outings. One reviewer even singles out the warranty process, noting that the one-year warranty work was handled efficiently and smoothly with assistance from a coordinator named Caitlin, highlighting a supportive touch at the outset of home ownership.

The social heartbeat of the community is a recurring theme. People speak of friendly, open, and engaged neighbors who quickly become part of a shared lifestyle. The activity center is a focal point, described as first-rate, with Barbara and the staff helping to organize a rich slate of programs and events. The sheer variety of clubs, hobbies, and groups provides something for nearly every interest, making it easy for new residents to get involved and form meaningful connections in a relatively short time. The amenities are not just architectural flourishes; they're integral to daily life, including multiple pools, a gym, well-kept walking paths, and multiple sports courts, all contributing to a sense of community and well-being. For many residents, the combination of a friendly neighborhood and abundant activities makes Riverlights feel alive and inviting.

The homes themselves are celebrated for their thoughtful layouts and the overall design, especially for those seeking comfortable, livable spaces rather than custom-showcase perfection. Several residents praise the floor plans as well-suited to their needs, noting comfortable layouts and options that suit retirement living. In one prominent positive note, a resident specifically commends the work of a sales representative, Karen Stant, who provided helpful and informative service. There is also appreciation for the willingness of developers to provide a finished, appealing product that aligns with the lifestyle promised by the Del Webb brand. However, this praise is tempered by a clear recognition that the quality is not the same as high-end custom construction, and expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

Alongside the praise, there are candid discussions about construction and warranty realities. A recurring thread is that the build quality is not top-tier and reflects the realities of affordable tract construction. Reviewers describe a number of issues that are common in new homes at this price point: gaps at moldings, light switches not square, paint quality that may require rework, and framing concerns that show up as bowed walls. Specific problems include a master shower door misalignment caused by tile thickness and a top track that sits out of square, as well as back patio doors that are also out of square. Some owners report that these issues have not been fully resolved under warranty, with at least one noting that their experience involved ongoing attempts to remedy problems and, in some cases, a perception that warranty coverage fades once the home is out of the initial warranty window. The sentiment is mixed for those who have traversed the warranty process: a few find it expedient and smooth, while others feel the need to be vigilant and persistent, sometimes pursuing independent inspections or legal avenues to ensure fixes are completed.

The reality of living with a newer home is further framed by practical, day-to-day concerns. One review underlines a common theme for homeowners in this segment: you aren't buying a custom home, so you should expect some imperfections that will require ongoing attention. In addition to interior finish issues, there are mentions of settling-related concerns that affect doors and windows and even the potential for court action when problems become contentious or protracted. Some residents compare Del Webb to other builders, noting that other builders in the area (like DH Horton) may have their own drawbacks, which reinforces the idea that potential buyers should go in with tempered expectations and a proactive stance toward maintenance and communication with the builder and HOA.

The environment itself adds an extraordinary note of character to Riverlights. For animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the community's freshwater lake and surrounding habitat bring a sense of place that extends beyond human-made amenities. Reviewers discuss the possibility of wildlife being present, including adult alligators in the Riverlights lake, which adds an unusual, cautionary dimension to kayaking, lounge hours, and evening strolls. There are practical reminders about safety - such as avoiding dusk or dawn outdoor activity with pets or small children near the water and being aware that wildlife relocation can involve coordination with wildlife authorities. The presence of wildlife is presented as a vivid feature of life here, one that requires respect and awareness but does not necessarily detract from the overall appeal of the locale.

In the end, Riverlights Del Webb emerges as a community that excels at delivering a desirable lifestyle: a beautiful setting, strong social fabric, abundant activities, and a convenient location. The positives of friendship, active participation, and well-maintained amenities are repeatedly highlighted, creating a compelling case for those drawn to a vibrant, neighborly, and sun-filled retirement. At the same time, prospective buyers are reminded to approach construction quality and warranty considerations with realism and preparation. The overall message is that, with careful attention to inspection and ongoing communication, the lifestyle benefits - paired with a welcoming, engaged community - can be substantial and satisfying for residents who prioritize social abundance and a well-rounded daily routine.

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Seashore Discount Drugs (3.6 miles)
• Epic Pharmacies (6.7 miles)
• Walgreens (6.7 miles)

Theaters

• The Pointe 14 at Barclay (2.3 miles)
• Surf Cinemas (15.5 miles)

Physicians

• Cape Fear Eye Institute OD PA (2.5 miles)
• New Hanover Medical Group (2.6 miles)
• MyEyeDr (2.7 miles)
• Coastal Neurosurgical Associates (3.1 miles)
• Wilmington Endocrinology (3.1 miles)
• Tinsley, Ellis, A, Jr, MD (3.1 miles)
• Wilmington Eye - Medical Center Drive (3.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Henry's Restaurant (3.3 miles)
• Burger King (4.3 miles)
• Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Wilmington Restaurant (4.8 miles)
• Double Happiness Restaurant (5.2 miles)
• Katy's Grill & Bar (5.2 miles)
• McDonald's (5.5 miles)
• Elijah's Restaurant (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Hugh MacRae Park (4.8 miles)
• Brunswick River Park (5.4 miles)
• Annsdale Park (5.6 miles)
• Leland Westgate Park (6 miles)
• Oak Island Park (19.4 miles)

Cafes

• Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods (5.9 miles)
• Port City Java (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)
• Cafe Koa (16.7 miles)

Transportation

• Wilmington International Airport (ILM) (8.1 miles)
• American Airlines (8.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Sacred Heart Catholic Church (15.1 miles)
• Ocean View United Methodist Church (18.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Brunswick Novant Medical Center (15.2 miles)