🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani confirms his intention to live in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his campaign. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century. Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November. "The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday. A Fond Farewell His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity. "To Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed. "Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he affirmed. A Contentious Issue Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements. Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a famous family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home. Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River. Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period. The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family. Haunted History A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises. Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year. Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford. Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.