Barack and Michelle Obama are no strangers to impressive addresses, having once resided at the most famous one in the United States, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, during their time in the White House. But where do Obamas live now? While they may have left the White House, the former first couple remains in Washington, D.C., maintaining a relatively private life and occasionally stepping into the public eye for causes they deeply care about, such as youth leadership, women’s rights, and health initiatives. Michelle Obama famously shared with Ellen DeGeneres in 2018, “What I learned in those eight years is that home is where we make it. And we were in the White House for eight years and it wasn’t the house—it was us in it. It was our values and our love for each other. And we just moved that to another house.” Beyond their D.C. base, the Obamas have also acquired a beautiful property in Martha’s Vineyard. Let’s take a journey through some of the residences that have been home to this influential couple over the years.
From Humble Beginnings to Presidential Estates: The Obama’s Housing Journey
The Obamas’ journey to becoming homeowners of multiple prestigious properties began with more modest dwellings, reflecting Barack Obama’s early life and career. From student apartments to their first family home, each residence marks a significant chapter in their lives.
Morningside Heights Apartment: Collegiate Days in the City
In the early 1980s, Barack Obama made the move from Occidental College to Columbia University, immersing himself in political science with a focus on international relations and English literature. During this period of academic exploration, his home was an apartment in Morningside Heights, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This conveniently located residence was just a short five-minute walk from the Columbia campus. The building, a co-op comprising 39 units, primarily housed university students at the time. Interestingly, Barack Obama’s former Morningside Heights apartment made headlines when it was listed on the market in late 2020 with a price tag of $1.45 million, showcasing its transformation into a sought-after condo unit.
Park Slope Pad: Brooklyn Living After Graduation
After graduating from Columbia in 1983, Barack Obama continued his New York story in Brooklyn’s charming Park Slope neighborhood. He rented the top floor of a classic 1903 brownstone, a location that offered easy access to the green spaces of Prospect Park. This Victorian-era brownstone, rich in history and architectural detail, has since been converted back into a single-family residence. Boasting five bedrooms and three bathrooms spread across a generous 3,860 square feet, the Park Slope property where Obama once lived was listed on the market in 2017 for $4.3 million, highlighting its desirability and value.
Hyde Park Condo: Building a Life Together in Chicago
Chicago became a pivotal location in Barack and Michelle Obama’s lives, both personally and professionally. In 1989, Barack was a summer associate at a Chicago law firm where he first encountered Michelle, who was assigned as his advisor. Their professional relationship blossomed into romance, leading to their engagement in 1991 and marriage in 1992. The following year, the newlyweds took a significant step by purchasing their first home together: a 2,200-square-foot condo in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. This condo, featuring four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, became their family home for over a decade. It was within these walls that they welcomed their daughters, Malia and Sasha, in 1998 and 2001, respectively, marking the beginning of their journey as parents. Notably, Michelle Obama was photographed in this Hyde Park condo for Chicago magazine, posing in front of a distinctive green tile fireplace. In 2005, they sold this first-floor condo to Grammy-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling and his wife, Jennifer. Years later, in the fall of 2024, the Ellings listed the unit for $550,000.
Kenwood Mansion: A Family Home in Chicago’s South Side
As their family grew, the Obamas sought more space and settled into a grand mansion in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side. This impressive residence became their primary family home during Barack Obama’s rising political career and his eventual presidency. The Kenwood mansion provided a comfortable and secure environment for raising their daughters, while also serving as a base for their busy public lives. This Chicago home remained their official residence even during their time in the White House, symbolizing their deep roots in the city.
Post-Presidency Residences: Washington D.C. and Martha’s Vineyard
After leaving the White House, where do the Obamas live became a question on many minds. They chose to remain in Washington, D.C., establishing a new home in the Kalorama neighborhood.
Washington D.C. Home: Staying Rooted in the Capital
Choosing to stay in Washington, D.C. after their White House years, the Obamas purchased a mansion in the upscale Kalorama neighborhood. This decision allowed them to remain close to Washington’s political and social scenes, while also providing a degree of continuity for their youngest daughter, Sasha, who was still in high school at the time. Their D.C. home is now considered their primary residence, a place where they continue their post-presidency lives, engage in their foundation work, and maintain a presence in the nation’s capital. While they keep a relatively low profile, their presence in D.C. is a constant reminder of their enduring influence.
Martha’s Vineyard Retreat: An Island Escape
Adding to their portfolio of homes, the Obamas acquired a stunning property on Martha’s Vineyard. This island retreat offers a contrast to their city life in Washington D.C., providing a place for relaxation and privacy. Martha’s Vineyard has long been a favored vacation destination for the Obamas, and owning a home there solidifies their connection to the island. This property serves as a getaway for the family, a place to unwind and enjoy time away from the public eye.
Conclusion: Home is Where the Heart Is
From student apartments to grand mansions, the residences of Barack and Michelle Obama reflect their remarkable journey. Where do Obamas live today? Primarily in their Washington D.C. home, while also enjoying their Martha’s Vineyard escape. Their diverse property portfolio showcases not only their success but also their evolving needs and preferences over different stages of life. As Michelle Obama eloquently stated, home is indeed “where we make it,” and the Obamas have created homes in various locations, each holding significance and memories.
