🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani affirms he will reside in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid. A Historic Residence Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the post-war period. But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, hesitated to declare this decision promptly after his electoral win in November. "The choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability voters supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement. Leaving Astoria Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed. Political Debate In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements. However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a well-known family. A House Not Always Used Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his modest Astoria apartment. Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River. Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period. The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Past occupants have suggested 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 His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year. Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents. Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.