🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect confirms his intention to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there immediately following his triumph in November. "My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," Mamdani said in his announcement. A Fond Farewell He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Although my address will change there, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he affirmed. A Contentious Issue Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements. Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he is from a prominent family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment. Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River. Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins. The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year. New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents. It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.