🔗 Share this article

The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

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

But his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

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

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