Nicholas Riccio is an American real estate developer and businessman. He is best known for his work in property development and for being the husband of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. He built his career by buying and renovating distressed properties in New Hampshire. His life has also drawn attention because of his reported rags-to-riches story and his 32-year age gap with Leavitt.
Nicholas Riccio’s Quick Bio
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholas Riccio |
| Nickname | Nick |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Real estate developer and businessman |
| Known For | Real estate business and marriage to Karoline Leavitt |
| High School | Alvirne High School, Hudson, New Hampshire |
| College | Plymouth State University |
| Company | Riccio Enterprises LLC |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Karoline Leavitt |
| Children | Son Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio; later reports also mention a daughter, Viviana |
| Residence | Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, and Washington, D.C. (reported) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Reported between $6 million and $45 million |
Why Is Nicholas Riccio Famous?
Nicholas Riccio is known for two main reasons. He is a successful real estate developer who owns rental and vacation properties in New Hampshire. He also became widely known after marrying Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history.
Their relationship has received media attention because of their 32-year age difference and Leavitt’s high-profile political career.
Early Life
Nicholas Riccio grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire. Public reports describe his childhood as financially difficult.
Several sources say he experienced poverty and homelessness during his late teens and early twenties. In a 2005 interview, Riccio said he sometimes visited friends’ homes just so he could take a shower because he did not have stable housing.
Some reports say his parents divorced, which added to his financial struggles. However, detailed information about his early life has not been publicly confirmed.
Parents and Family
Nicholas Riccio’s father is Anthony Riccio, who has also been identified in some reports as Anthony R. Riccio.
His mother was Marilyn Riccio, also reported as Marilyn Claire Moriarty Riccio. She passed away in 1997.
Riccio has three siblings and grew up as one of four children.
Education
Riccio attended Alvirne High School in Hudson, New Hampshire.
He later studied at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire.
After college, he completed a real estate course. According to reports, this education helped him begin his career in property investment.
Real Estate Career
Nicholas Riccio built his career in real estate after completing his studies.
He began by purchasing distressed properties in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. His goal was to renovate older buildings and turn them into valuable rental properties.
Reports say he borrowed money from friends to buy his first property. Over the following years, he continued buying and improving buildings throughout the area.
His business grew steadily, and he became known for restoring neglected properties.
Riccio Enterprises LLC
In 2005, Riccio reportedly founded Riccio Enterprises LLC.
The company focuses on:
- Property development
- Property renovation
- Property management
- Rental properties
Several reports also say he owns Nautical Beach Properties, which manages vacation homes and holiday rentals.
According to published reports, he owns more than 15 buildings with around 70 residential rental units in Hampton Beach.
Some reports also say his investments extend from Boston to the White Mountains.
His Rags-to-Riches Story
Nicholas Riccio’s business success is often described as a rags-to-riches story.
While many people saw abandoned buildings in Hampton Beach, Riccio believed they could be restored. One report says that during a drive with his mother in 1993, he became inspired to invest in the area.
He spent years renovating older properties and gradually expanded his portfolio.
His story is often used as an example of building a business despite financial hardship.
Nicholas Riccio’s Net Worth
Nicholas Riccio’s exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed.
Different sources report different estimates.
- Several reports estimate his net worth at around $6 million.
- Other reports estimate it between $6 million and $45 million.
His wealth is generally linked to:
- Property development
- Rental income
- Vacation rental properties
- Real estate investments
One article estimated his wealth at $1.5 million to $2 million, but it also described a career in the insurance industry that does not match the information reported by most other sources. Because of this inconsistency, that estimate should be treated with caution.
Marriage to Karoline Leavitt
Nicholas Riccio is married to Karoline Leavitt.
The couple first met in 2022 while Leavitt was running for Congress in New Hampshire. They were introduced through a mutual friend during an event at a local restaurant.
Riccio proposed in December 2023.
They married in January 2025 at Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire. Their wedding took place just two days before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
Who Is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt is an American politician and communications professional.
She served as White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump and became the youngest person to hold the position in U.S. history.
Before joining the White House, she worked in politics and ran for Congress in New Hampshire.
Because of her national role, Nicholas Riccio has also become a public figure.
Their Age Difference
Nicholas Riccio and Karoline Leavitt have a reported age gap of about 32 years.
Leavitt has publicly described their relationship as “a very atypical love story.”
She has also said that Riccio has been supportive of her political career and that her parents accepted their relationship after getting to know him.
Children
Nicholas Riccio and Karoline Leavitt welcomed their first child, Nicholas Robert Riccio, known as “Niko,” on July 10, 2024.
Some newer reports also state that the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Viviana, nicknamed “Vivi,” on May 1, 2026.
Earlier reports mention only one child, while newer reports include both children.
Public Appearances
Although Nicholas Riccio keeps a relatively private life, he has appeared with Karoline Leavitt at several public events.
These include:
- White House events
- The White House Easter Egg Roll
- Political events
- Family celebrations
- Public photographs shared by Leavitt on social media
Social Media
Nicholas Riccio does not have a widely known public social media account.
Most public photos and family updates featuring him are shared through Karoline Leavitt’s Instagram account.
Interesting Facts
- Nicholas Riccio is an American real estate developer.
- He grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire.
- He attended Alvirne High School and Plymouth State University.
- He later completed a real estate course before entering the property business.
- He reportedly founded Riccio Enterprises LLC in 2005.
- He built his business by renovating distressed properties.
- Reports say he owns more than 15 buildings in Hampton Beach.
- He married Karoline Leavitt in January 2025.
- The couple met during Leavitt’s 2022 congressional campaign.
- They have a son named Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, and newer reports also mention a daughter named Viviana.
- His reported net worth varies widely depending on the source.
