🔗 Share this article

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.