New York's next mayor affirms his intention to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion

New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, hesitated to declare this decision right away following his victory in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.