🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect confirms plans to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office. A Historic Residence Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period. Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his triumph in November. "This decision came down to the security of my family and the importance of focusing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement. A Fond Farewell Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine. "To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted. "Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he affirmed. Political Debate Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements. However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he hails from a famous family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home. Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River. Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era. The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family. Haunted History A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds. The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year. New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the average income. Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.