🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect affirms plans to live in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period. However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, hesitated to declare he would live there right away following his triumph in November. "My choice came down to the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine. "To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added. Campaign Controversy Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation. However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family. Previous Exceptions Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria apartment. Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River. Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins. The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year. City residents see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford. It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.