New York's next mayor states his intention to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion

NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

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

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, did not confirm he would live there immediately after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will always live within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.