You’ve probably seen the grainy long-lens photos of a man in a ball cap riding a bike past a phalanx of security guards. That’s the vibe of Rehoboth Beach these days. Or at least, it was the vibe during the whirlwind of the presidency. Now that the dust is settling, everyone wants to know about the Joe Biden beach house.
It isn't some sprawling Mar-a-Lago style estate with gold-plated faucets.
Honestly? It’s a North Shores "mini-mansion" that looks exactly like what a guy from Scranton would buy if he finally hit the jackpot on a book deal. The Bidens bought the place back in 2017 for about $2.7 million. They’d just finished eight years in the Vice President’s residence and signed a massive multi-book deal. For Joe and Jill, this wasn't just an investment; it was a promise kept. Joe had told Jill for decades he’d get her a house at the shore.
Basically, it’s the "dream house" they waited forty years to buy.
The Reality of 32 Farview Road
If you’re looking for the Joe Biden beach house on a map, you’ll find it tucked away in the North Shores community. This is a private, somewhat quiet neighborhood just north of the main Rehoboth boardwalk. It isn't flashy. The house itself is a three-story, Cape Cod-style build that balances being "nice" without being "obnoxious."
It has six bedrooms. That sounds like a lot until you remember the Biden family tree is massive. They needed space for the kids, the grandkids, and probably a few dogs.
- Three fireplaces for those damp Delaware winters.
- Two large porches where the family famously hangs out.
- An elevator, which is pretty standard for three-story coastal homes.
- Outdoor showers and a dedicated dog-washing station.
There’s a sign over the front door that says "Beau’s Gift." It’s a heart-wrenching detail. The family has been vocal about how the house was funded partly by the proceeds of Joe’s book Promise Me, Dad, which chronicles the loss of his son, Beau. It’s a place of healing for them, not just a vacation spot.
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The Fence and the $500,000 Controversy
You can't talk about this house without talking about the wall. Or the fence. Depending on who you ask.
In 2021, the Department of Homeland Security awarded a contract to a local firm, Turnstone Holdings LLC, to build a security fence around the property. The cost started around $455,000 and eventually climbed to nearly **$500,000**.
Critics had a field day with this. The irony of a president who halted border wall construction building a wall around his own summer home was a talking point for months. But from a Secret Service perspective, the house was a nightmare to secure. It borders Cape Henlopen State Park. That means public trails are literally right there. Without that barrier, any hiker could basically wander onto the back porch.
Security isn't just about the fence, though. When the Bidens are in town, the "No Fly Zone" goes into effect. Local pilots hate it. The Coast Guard patrols the water.
What It's Actually Like in Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach is often called the "Nation’s Summer Capital." It’s a mile-long stretch of boardwalk, salt water taffy, and some of the best fries you’ll ever eat at Thrasher’s.
The Bidens aren't "shut-ins" when they visit. You’ll see them at St. Edmond Catholic Church on King Charles Avenue. Father William Cocco has spoken about the Secret Service sweeps before Mass. It’s a bit of a production. Parishioners have to wait in line. Some people aren't happy about his politics, but the church maintains that everyone is a sinner and everyone is welcome.
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Then there’s the bike riding.
The Gordons Pond Trail is a favorite. It’s a gorgeous, flat ride through the wetlands. Seeing the President on a Trek bike with a helmet on crooked became a local meme. They also hit up local spots like Egg on Rehoboth Avenue for breakfast.
Is it worth the hype?
From a real estate perspective, the Joe Biden beach house is a solid piece of property. North Shores is one of the few places where you get private beach access and proximity to the state park.
The house overlooks the park, giving it a sense of isolation that’s hard to find in a crowded beach town. While the $2.7 million price tag was a lot in 2017, the Delaware coast has seen a massive surge in value since then. Similar homes in the area now easily clear the $4 million or $5 million mark.
It’s a "mini-mansion," but in the world of political elites, it’s actually kind of modest.
Navigating the Area Today
If you’re planning to do a "drive-by" to see the house, be careful. There are signs now that explicitly cite Title 18, United States Code, Section 1752. That’s the federal law that makes it a crime to trespass on restricted grounds.
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The Secret Service is generally polite to tourists, but they have a "line in the sand." Literally. If you cross it, the "friendly neighbor" vibe vanishes.
Tips for visiting Rehoboth:
- Don't try to park near North Shores. There’s no public parking, and you will get towed.
- Use the State Park entrance. You can get a great view of the dunes and the general area without breaking federal law.
- Check the flight TFRs. If you see a Temporary Flight Restriction over 19971, the Bidens are likely in town. Expect traffic.
The house remains a symbol. To some, it’s a sign of excess. To others, it’s the quintessential American success story—the "poorest man in the Senate" finally getting his house by the sea. Regardless of where you land on the political spectrum, the property has changed the fabric of Rehoboth Beach forever.
If you want to see the local impact, head to the Browseabout Books on the boardwalk. They sell Biden-themed mugs and socks. It’s a strange mix of high-stakes security and small-town tourism.
For those looking to explore the Delaware coast, your best bet is to focus on the Cape Henlopen State Park trails. You get the same views the Bidens have, without the Secret Service detail watching your every move. It’s a better way to experience the "Summer Capital" anyway.
Start your trip at the Gordons Pond Trailhead early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. You'll see exactly why they chose this spot to retire to. The salt air and the pine trees make it feel worlds away from Washington D.C.
Next Steps for Your Coastal Trip:
- Check the Beach Conditions: Before heading to the North Shores area, check the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) website for any seasonal closures of the Gordons Pond Trail.
- Plan Your Dining: If you want the "Biden experience," make a reservation at Egg or visit the Browseabout Books for a souvenir.
- Security Awareness: Always respect the "Restricted Area" signs; security around the residence remains high even when the family is not in residence.