Does the Vice President Live in the White House
The vice president does not live in the White House. The White House is the official residence of the president of the United States. The vice president has a separate official residence, known as Number One Observatory Circle, on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. This arrangement is set by federal law and longstanding executive branch practice. The White House website describes the building as the president's residence and workplace.
The Naval Observatory residence has served as the official vice presidential home since 1974. Before that, vice presidents often lived in private homes or hotels in Washington, D.C. The property includes the main residence, offices, and grounds maintained by the Navy. It is not part of the White House complex, which is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Vice President Residence vs. White House
Number One Observatory Circle
Number One Observatory Circle is the designated residence for the vice president of the United States. It sits on a secure campus that also houses the Naval Observatory, a scientific and navigational agency. The house includes living quarters, a vice presidential office, and staff support areas. The U.S. Naval Observatory provides official information about its campus and mission.
The White House, by contrast, is a 132-room mansion on 18 acres of grounds. It includes the president's residence, the Oval Office, the West Wing, the East Wing, and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The vice president works in the West Wing or the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, but does not have a private living quarters there. Congressional Research Service reports outline the legal and historical basis for separate residences.
Budget and Security for the Vice President Residence
Funding and Maintenance
Maintenance and security for Number One Observatory Circle are funded through the federal budget. The Navy's Commander of the Naval Observatory oversees the property. The vice president's household staff is funded through the Office of the Vice President's operating budget. The General Services Administration manages federal property records and related spending data.
Security and Access
The Secret Service provides protection for the vice president at both the residence and the White House. The Naval Observatory grounds are secured with restricted access. The vice president can access the White House for meetings, ceremonies, and official events, but does not have a private living space there. The U.S. Secret Service outlines its protective mission for senior officials.
