🔗 Share this article

NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.