🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms plans to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his campaign. An Iconic Home Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period. Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly after his electoral win in November. "The choice came down to the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in a statement. Thanking a Neighborhood He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Even though I'm moving there, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed. Political Debate Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements. But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs. Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River. Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period. The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family. Haunted History A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises. The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year. City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.