🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms his intention to reside in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his election bid. An Iconic Home Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era. However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately following his victory in November. "My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement. A Fond Farewell Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining. "To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed. "While I may no longer live there, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he said. Political Debate During his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant. But his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he is from a well-known family. Previous Exceptions Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs. Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River. Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era. The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily. Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year. City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the average income. Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.