🔗 Share this article

New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

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

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his previous Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.