🔗 Share this article

New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central 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 importance of directing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed 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 floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.