\nSuddenly, sixteen candles aren\u2019t nearly enough: Having long ago traded mosh pits for minivans, the first members of Generation X are turning 60 in 2025. And while so much has changed for the generation that brought us grunge music, flannel as a fashion statement and teen angst as a movie genre, Gen X\u2019s fierce independent streak remains stronger than ever \u2013 and it\u2019s making an impact on what they want from the next chapter of life.<\/p>\n
\nGeneration X may be approaching traditional retirement age, but their approach to retirement will be anything but traditional.<\/p>\n
\nAccording to a new survey of Gen Xers by PulteGroup, one of America\u2019s largest homebuilders, 62% want to spend their upcoming retirement years living among a mix of people from different generations and life stages, versus 38% who would prefer to live among people their own age. And this trend is even more pronounced among those who are closest to traditional retirement age, with 66% percent of respondents age 53 or older indicating a preference to live among people of different generations and life stages.<\/p>\n
\nThis matches recent PulteGroup market research that led the company to launch Del Webb Explore, a new generation of active lifestyle communities that feature resort-style amenities such as activity centers focused on health and wellness, clubhouses with social spaces for connecting around a bar and grill, hiking trails, sports courts and pools, with one key difference: Instead of being limited to residents age 55 and older, it is open to all ages.<\/p>\n
\nPulteGroup\u2019s first Del Webb Explore communities are currently under development just as many members of Gen X are beginning to see the finish line for their careers: 73% of respondents in the PulteGroup Gen X survey say they\u2019re either ready to retire in a few years (39%), already retired (19%) or ready to retire now (15%).<\/p>\n
\nBut 27% of those surveyed say they\u2019ll never be ready to retire. That group cites financial concerns (34%), fear of being bored in retirement (20%) and finding fulfillment in the work they do (20%) as the main reasons they plan to continue working.<\/p>\n
\nThe online survey of 1,177 American Gen Xers was conducted by PulteGroup\u2019s market research division from May 7-11, 2025.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAs a proud member of Gen X myself, I am not at all surprised to see that our generation has its own unique take on what we want from the next chapter of life,\u201d PulteGroup President and CEO Ryan Marshall said. \u201cThe takeaways 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. 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. We invite Gen X \u2013 and everyone else \u2013 to find out more about this intriguing new lifestyle option.\u201d<\/p>\n
Worried about getting older? As if!<\/b><\/p>\n
\nOften left to raise themselves as \u201clatch key kids,\u201d Gen X remains self-reliant today. For a generation that grew up drinking water straight out of garden hoses and who normally wasn\u2019t seen back home until after dark, perhaps it\u2019s no surprise that getting a little older isn\u2019t phasing them.<\/p>\n
\nAsked how they feel about their generation\u2019s oldest members turning 60 in 2025, the leading response was \u201ccan\u2019t believe it but embracing it\u201d at 35%, followed by \u201ctotally awesome!\u201d and \u201cmeh, it\u2019s just a number\u201d tied at 26% each. Meanwhile, only 13% report \u201cfeeling old and tired.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTrue to themselves, Gen X remains comfortable in their own skin. Asked what words best describe Generation X, 13% said \u201cexperienced,\u201d 12% said \u201cindependent\u201d and 11% said \u201cresilient.\u201d Nine percent answered \u201cadaptable\u201d and 8% said \u201cgrounded\u201d or \u201cbalanced.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDespite often being described as cynical, survey respondents overwhelmingly rejected that label.<\/p>\n
\u201890s pop culture still rocks<\/b><\/p>\n
\nThe flannels might be at the back of their closets today, but you\u2019ll still find grunge and hip hop at the top of Gen Xers\u2019 playlists.<\/p>\n
\nWhen asked what aspect of their youth remains a part of their identity today, Gen X members resoundingly chose music preferences (35%), followed by obsession with \u201880s and \u201890s movies (22%), not being addicted to technology and proud of it (15%) and questioning authority (14%).<\/p>\n
\nIf there was a Gen X Mount Rushmore, whose face would be on it? Asked which celebrity who turns 60 in 2025 best epitomizes Generation X, 14% answered Robert Downey Jr., followed by Brooke Shields (12%), Charlie Sheen (10%), Dr. Dre (9%), Sarah Jessica Parker (8%), Ben Stiller (8%), Chris Rock (7%) and Martin Lawrence (7%). Note: The results of this survey question do not imply a celebrity endorsement of PulteGroup or Del Webb Explore<\/i>.<\/p>\n
An economic chill pill<\/b><\/p>\n
\nGen Xers certainly have an eye on the economy, but it may not derail their plans.<\/p>\n
\nFor some Gen Xers, broader economic uncertainty may play a role in decisions about where to live, with nearly one third (32%) saying they\u2019re waiting to see what\u2019s happening before buying a new home. But at the same time, 38% said their plans remain unchanged.<\/p>\n
Choosing their own adventure<\/b><\/p>\n
\nAs members of Generation X move into their peak earning years, it\u2019s time for this largely overlooked generation to start thinking about the next act of their lives \u2013 and the best revenge, of course, is living well.<\/p>\n
\nSettling down doesn\u2019t mean slowing down. What do Gen Xers look forward to doing most over the next decade? Traveling was the top response at 23%, followed by spending time with family and friends (20%), staying physically active (18%) and enjoying more \u201cme\u201d time (17%).<\/p>\n
\nOver the years, many members of Gen X stayed close to home. A total of 66% of respondents still live in the same state (29%), city (28%) or even the home they grew up in (9%). As they look forward, they’re split on when to make their next move. Of survey respondents, 44% do not plan to move in the next few years, while 35% either moved recently or plan to move in the next few years.<\/p>\n
\nThose who are open to moving are seeking a better life — at the right price. For respondents who did move recently or plan to soon, 25% said they wanted something more affordable, followed by better weather (23%), wanting to downsize (18%) and new cultural experiences (15%).<\/p>\n
\nAsked where they\u2019d prefer to live next, 39% said a cozy home in the countryside or near the beach, but 37% are happy right where they are. But there also was significant interest in a luxury community with fitness and lifestyle amenities at 14% \u2013 and that interest was even more pronounced among younger Gen Xers, age 52 or younger, at 16%.<\/p>\n
\nThat\u2019s where Del Webb Explore comes in. Featuring exercise and art classes, wine tastings, pickleball, outdoor activities and so much more, the first Del Webb Explore communities are planned for Southern California and West Florida, with planned expansion nationwide.<\/p>\n
\nWant to learn more? Visit the Del Webb Explore website at https:\/\/www.delwebb.com\/explore<\/a><\/p>\n About PulteGroup<\/b><\/p>\n \nPulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of America\u2019s largest homebuilding companies with operations in more than 45 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, American West and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, the company is one of the industry\u2019s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup\u2019s purpose is building incredible places where people can live their dreams.<\/p>\n \nFor more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com<\/a>; pulte.com<\/a>; centex.com<\/a>; delwebb.com<\/a>; divosta.com<\/a>; jwhomes.com<\/a>; and americanwesthomes.com<\/a>. Follow PulteGroup, Inc. on X: @PulteGroupNews<\/a>.<\/p>\n View source version on businesswire.com: <\/span>https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20250812720268\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n For Media Inquiries KEYWORDS:<\/b> United States North America Georgia<\/p>\n INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:<\/b> Generation X Architecture Construction & Property Building Systems Lifestyle Consumer Other Construction & Property Residential Building & Real Estate<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>
Ally Boyle
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ally.boyle@pulteGroup.com
\n<\/a>
(404) 464-9060<\/p>\n
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