Early Life and Military Housing
John McCain was born in Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, on August 29, 1936. His family moved frequently due to his father's and grandfather's naval careers. He attended schools in several locations, including Alexandria, Virginia, and later graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. During his Navy service, he lived in various stateside and overseas duty stations, including Florida and California, where he was stationed as a naval aviator. His military housing assignments shaped his early adult years before he entered politics.
After being shot down over Hanoi in 1967, McCain spent over five years as a prisoner of war in the Hoa Lo Prison, commonly known as the Hanoi Hilton. Following his release in 1973, he remained in the Navy for several more years, living on bases in the United States. He retired from the Navy in 1981, having completed over two decades of active service. These early residences were defined by strict military schedules and frequent relocations rather than personal choice.
Arizona Residence and Political Base
McCain moved to Arizona in the early 1980s, establishing a permanent home in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He purchased a ranch in Sedona, Arizona, which became one of his most recognized private residences. The Sedona property served as both a personal retreat and a symbolic anchor in the state where he built his political career. Arizona's Maricopa County became his primary home base for decades.
Arizona's 1st Congressional District was where he first ran for office in 1982, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He later represented Arizona in the U.S. Senate, starting in 1987. His Arizona home was central to his public identity as a senator and presidential candidate. The state's political landscape and his local ties were foundational to his long tenure in Washington, D.C. Forbes
Washington, D.C. and Official Residences
During his Senate career, John McCain maintained a residence in Arlington, Virginia, near the U.S. Capitol. The Washington, D.C. metro area served as his official work base for over thirty years. He stayed at the Russell Senate Office Building during legislative sessions and used official residences for hosting events and meetings. His D.C. address was functionally tied to his role as a senator and committee chair.
McCain also spent significant time at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, during his cancer treatment. His final years were marked by public appearances in both Arizona and Washington, D.C., reflecting the dual geography of his public life. He passed away on August 25, 2018, at his home in Cornville, Arizona, near Sedona. U.S. Navy SEC.gov