- Forty-five of the 50 United States have official mansions, which governors can live in rent-free while they are in office.
- But the mansions aren't just a roof over their heads. These sprawling, beautiful, historic mansions are meant to evoke the pride of their states.
- Arizona, Idaho, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont don't have designated mansions. They either give governors a housing stipend or nothing at all.
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Like the White House, a governor's mansion sets the tone.
After a long day serving constituents, governors get to go home to sprawling, beautiful, historic buildings. They're welcomed by 20-foot entrance ways; their heels ring out on marble floors. If it's been a particularly grim day, they can wash it away with a swim in their state-shaped pool.
These official houses, which are in 45 out of the 50 states, are meant to evoke the pride of their area. Arizona, Idaho, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont are the unlucky states without a designated mansion.
Life in the mansions is more public than a normal home. Visitors can often take tours, and security can be heavy. Careful household budgeting is necessary to avoid criticism from the media or constituents. Some governors have chastised reporters for calling it a mansion, and told them to call it a "residence" instead.
The National Governors Association even published a manual on how to navigate an elected life of, at least what looks like, luxury.
Here's what the governors' mansions look like in every US state.