🔗 Share this article

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.