Moving houses is usually a headache involving cardboard boxes and lost rolls of tape. When you're the Vice President of the United States, those boxes are guarded by the Secret Service and the destination is one of the most exclusive addresses in Washington, D.C. Honestly, most people assume the Vice President just has a suite at the White House or something. That’s not how it works.
So, where will Vice President Vance live during his term?
The short answer: Number One Observatory Circle. It’s a 19th-century Queen Anne-style mansion tucked away on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory. While President Trump is 2.5 miles away at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the Vance family—JD, Usha, and their three kids—have taken up residence in this 9,145-square-foot white brick house. It's basically a "second White House," but with a lot more privacy and a lot less tourist traffic.
The Official Residence at One Observatory Circle
The house was built in 1893. Originally, it wasn't for politicians at all; it was the "Superintendent’s House" for the Naval Observatory. In the 1920s, the Chief of Naval Operations liked it so much he reportedly kicked the superintendent out to move in himself. It wasn't until 1974 that Congress officially designated it as the home for the Vice President. Before that? VPs just lived in their own houses or hotels.
Think about that. Until the mid-70s, the government didn't provide a home for the second-in-command.
The VPR (Vice President's Residence) is a three-story building with 33 rooms. It’s got a library, a kitchen in the basement (which is sort of weird, right?), and a sprawling veranda that wraps around the ground floor. It’s not as "museum-like" as the White House. It feels like a home.
Why the Naval Observatory?
Security is the big reason. Securely retrofitting a private home every four to eight years became a nightmare for the Treasury. By moving the Vice President onto a military installation like the Naval Observatory, you get a "hardened" perimeter by default.
JD Vance and his family are living on 72 acres of protected land. It’s a literal forest in the middle of Northwest D.C. You can't just walk up to the front door. You can't even see the house from the street because of the dense trees and the high fences.
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- Size: Approximately 9,000 square feet.
- Amenities: A heated pool (installed by Dan Quayle), a putting green, and a gym.
- History: Every Vice President since Walter Mondale has lived here.
What Happens to the Vance Home in Ohio?
Just because he’s moving to D.C. doesn't mean JD Vance is selling his roots. He still owns his home in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati. This has actually caused some local headlines recently. In early January 2026, a suspect was arrested for allegedly vandalizing the property with a hammer while the Vances were away in Washington.
The Secret Service still maintains a presence at his Cincinnati residence. It’s a "restricted area" now. Even when the family is living at One Observatory Circle, their private home remains a high-security zone. Most politicians keep their state residences as a way to stay connected to their constituents—and, frankly, as a place to go when the term ends.
Vance has mentioned in interviews that they still consider Ohio home. They were actually there just before the January incident occurred. It’s a bit of a dual-life situation. You have the official, formal life at the Naval Observatory and the "real" life back in Cincinnati.
Life Inside the Vice Presidential Mansion
What’s it actually like inside? It’s a mix of a private residence and a high-stakes office.
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The first floor is mostly for entertaining. There’s a dining room that can seat a couple dozen people and a sunlit solarium. The second floor is where the actual "living" happens. That's where the primary bedroom and the kids' rooms are located.
Usha Vance, like the Second Ladies and Gentlemen before her, has the opportunity to put her own stamp on the place. Traditionally, the Vice President's family works with the Vice Presidential Residence Foundation to handle decor and renovations. They don't just go to IKEA; they bring in art from national galleries and historical furniture.
Surprising Details About the House
- The Atomic Clock: The Naval Observatory is home to the Master Clock of the United States. The Vances are literally living next to the most accurate timekeeper in the world.
- The Guest List: It’s a hub for diplomacy. Foreign leaders often stop by for breakfast or lunch away from the more formal atmosphere of the White House.
- The Pool: It’s famous in D.C. lore. George H.W. Bush loved it, and Dan Quayle was the one who finally got it built using private funds.
Where Will Vice President Vance Live When Traveling?
The job isn't just sitting in D.C. The Vice President is on the road constantly. When he’s not at One Observatory Circle, he’s usually on Air Force Two (typically a C-32, which is a modified Boeing 757).
For retreats, there’s always Camp David. While it’s primarily the President's retreat, the Vice President has access to the cabins there as well. It’s a 125-mile trip from the capital into the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland. It’s the ultimate "getaway" from the stress of the West Wing.
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Moving Forward: Logistics and Security
When asking where will Vice President Vance live, it’s important to understand the sheer scale of the move. It’s not just a family moving into a house; it’s a small army moving into a compound.
The Secret Service "Detail" lives there too—not in the house, but in various outbuildings and security posts scattered across the 72 acres. Every window at One Observatory Circle is reinforced. Every phone line is secure. Even the mail is scanned miles away before it ever reaches the front gate.
If you're planning to visit D.C. and want to see where the Vice President lives, you’ll have to settle for a glimpse of the gates on Massachusetts Avenue. The house itself remains hidden, a quiet Victorian mansion serving as the backdrop for the second most powerful person in the country.
Actionable Insights for Following the Transition:
- Monitor Local Cincinnati News: Stay updated on the security status of the Vance private residence in East Walnut Hills, as it remains a point of interest for local law enforcement and federal protection.
- Follow the Vice Presidential Residence Foundation: This non-profit often shares updates on historical preservation and public-facing changes to the property's decor.
- Check the Naval Observatory Schedule: While the residence is private, the Observatory itself sometimes offers limited tours for the public (though these are strictly for the scientific facilities, not the house).