The moving trucks have come and gone. After fifty years in the public eye, Joe Biden has finally stepped back from the "gilded cage" of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But the question everyone keeps asking is basically this: where exactly does a man who spent half a century in Washington go when the motorcade stops?
Honestly, the answer isn't as mysterious as some of the internet rumors suggest. He didn't disappear to a private island or buy a massive tech-mogul estate in California. He did what most people from the Mid-Atlantic do. He went home to Delaware.
Where Will Biden Live Now?
If you're looking for the specific spot, you've gotta look at Wilmington. Specifically, the Greenville area. This isn't just a house for him; it's the primary residence he built from the ground up back in the late '90s.
It’s a 6,850-square-foot mansion tucked away on four acres of lakefront property. It sounds huge—and it is—but compared to the sprawling estates of other former presidents, it’s actually somewhat modest. He bought the land for around $350,000 back in 1998, though today’s market has pushed that value way past the $2 million mark.
You might remember this place from the news during the classified documents investigation. It's got that classic stucco exterior and a garage that houses his prized 1967 Corvette Stingray. It’s the place he always retreated to on weekends during his presidency.
The "Summer Capital" Retreat
But Wilmington isn't the only place he's hanging his hat. Biden also owns a vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, which has basically become the "Nation's Summer Capital" because of him.
- The Purchase: He and Jill bought it in 2017 for $2.74 million.
- The Vibe: It's a three-story, Cape Cod-style "mini-mansion."
- The Perks: Six bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen, and a "dog wash" station for the pups.
- The Value: Recent estimates suggest this property is now worth over $6 million.
He’s been visiting Rehoboth for decades. It’s where he goes to bike the Gordons Pond Trail or grab a quiet dinner at Egg on Rehoboth Avenue. Locals are used to seeing him, though the Secret Service footprint is a lot smaller now than it was a year ago.
Why He Didn't Choose Virginia or D.C.
There was a lot of chatter about him staying in Northern Virginia. After his vice presidency ended in 2017, the Bidens actually rented a massive 12,000-square-foot house in McLean, Virginia. It was owned by Mark Ein and once belonged to Alexander Haig.
They lived there mostly because Dr. Jill Biden was teaching at Northern Virginia Community College and they wanted to be close to their grandkids in D.C. But that was a rental. It was never "home." Biden has always said that Delaware is written on his heart, and he wasn't kidding.
The Logistics of a Former President’s Life
Life after the presidency isn't just about sitting on a porch. Under the Former Presidents Act of 1958, Biden gets a few things that make "retiring" a bit different than the rest of us:
- The Pension: He receives an annual lifetime pension equal to the pay of a Cabinet Secretary.
- The Staff: He gets an allowance for an office and a small team.
- The Protection: Lifetime Secret Service protection for him and Jill.
This last part is why you won't see him just wandering through a Costco alone. Even though he's a private citizen, the security detail stays. In Wilmington, the Secret Service actually rents a small cottage on his property to maintain a 24/7 presence. It's a weird way to live, but it's the price of the job.
What He's Actually Doing There
So, what does the day-to-day look like? He’s 83 now. Most of his time is spent with family. He’s a regular at St. Joseph on the Brandywine in Wilmington, the same church where his son Beau and his first wife Neilia are buried.
He’s also likely working on a memoir. Every modern president does. Whether he sets up a formal presidential library in Delaware or partners with the University of Delaware (where his archives are already kept) is still the subject of local debate.
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Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you’re planning a trip to see "Biden country," here’s how to do it respectfully:
- Visit Rehoboth Beach: You can actually bike the same trails he does. The Gordons Pond Trail is beautiful and open to the public.
- Support Local: Go to the shops he likes. Browse the books at Browseabout Books or grab a cone at the Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth.
- Respect the Perimeter: You can’t get close to the Wilmington house. It’s on a private road and heavily guarded. Don't waste your time trying to drive past the gate; you'll just get turned around by a guy with an earpiece.
Biden’s move back to Delaware marks the end of an era for Washington, but for him, it’s just a return to the place he never really left. He’s a "Delaware man" through and through, and that’s exactly where he’ll stay.