🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor states his intention to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his run for office. A Traditional Abode Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors from the World War II era. However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his victory in November. "This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement. Thanking a Neighborhood His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said. Campaign Controversy In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant. Yet his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a prominent family. Previous Exceptions Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment. Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River. Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period. The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year. Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents. It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.