She was the first presidential wife to live in the white house

Like his predecessor, John Adams resided at the Philadelphia Presidential House for the majority of his term in office. It served as the seat of the executive branch of government until May 1800 and was situated at the junction of 6th and Market Streets.

Abigail coordinated the Adamses' relocation from Philadelphia to the newly built residential house in Washington, D.C., in November 1800, just as the election that barred John Adams from serving a second term as president was taking place. Her letters to her relatives expressed her disappointment at the building's shoddy workmanship and lack of furnishings. She bemoaned the fact that "not a chamber is finished of a whole." The structure had inadequate insulation. Abigail's emotions weren't particularly lifted by the awkward White House Christmas party. She was "distressed and humiliated since it was still chilly," as one witness put it. The visitors sat around and made an effort to appear at ease and hide their goosebumps, but they went early.

However, she cautioned her daughter against sharing her ideas since it would make her appear ungrateful. She continued a tradition started by the Washingtons and continued by each succeeding first lady until 1933 when she welcomed guests to the home, soon to be known as the White House, on New Year's Day 1801.