Founded in 1881, its major markets are the West Coast (California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Colorado), Texas, the Carolinas, and Florida.

In 1998, it acquired UDC Homes, which had been the largest homebuilder in the Phoenix market and had a presence in California.

[1] In addition to being a new home builder, the J. F. Shea Company's activities include commercial construction, civil engineering, commercial and multi-family property development and management, construction materials and venture capital.

[citation needed] In 2017, Shea Homes donated $11 million to Phoenix-area Catholic schools to be used for renovations and construction.

Deffenbaugh, Paul (2006-12-01), Healthy and Great, retrieved 2007-10-04[permanent dead link‍] Power, Matthew (2006-12-01), Shea Homes: Lasting Legacy, retrieved 2007-10-04 Staff, Professional Builder (2006-12-01), The Shea Homes Universe, archived from the original on 2007-06-20, retrieved 2007-10-04 Cardis NRS.