🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect affirms his intention to make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid. A Historic Residence Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his victory in November. "This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in a statement. A Fond Farewell His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine. "To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed. "While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and my work," he added. Political Debate Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation. But his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he came from a famous family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his humble Astoria home. With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River. Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era. The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family. Haunted History Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises. The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year. Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford. Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.