🔗 Share this article

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.