🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect states he will live in the iconic 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 traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid. A Historic Residence Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period. But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm this decision promptly following his electoral win in November. "The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine. "To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed. "Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said. Campaign Controversy Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements. But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a famous family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home. Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River. Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era. The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family. Haunted History A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises. Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year. Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.