The Mayor-Elect confirms he will make his home in historic Gracie Mansion

New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, hesitated to declare this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

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

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