🔗 Share this article

New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside inside me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some 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 for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.