🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani states he will make his home in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office. An Iconic Home Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era. But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November. "This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement. Leaving Astoria Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine. "To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said. Political Debate In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant. Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family. A House Not Always Used Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria digs. Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River. Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period. The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily. Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year. New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.