🔗 Share this article

The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to focusing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.