🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani affirms he will live in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his campaign. A Traditional Abode Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century. Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, hesitated to declare this decision immediately following his electoral win in November. "This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday. A Fond Farewell His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity. "To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said. Political Debate In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant. But his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a well-known family. A House Not Always Used Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home. Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River. Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins. The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family. Haunted History Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds. The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year. Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.