🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani confirms plans to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign. An Iconic Home Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period. Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November. "This decision came down to the security of my family and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining. "To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do," he added. Campaign Controversy During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements. But his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he came from a well-known family. Previous Exceptions Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his modest Astoria apartment. Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River. Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era. The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family. Haunted History Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily. The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year. City residents see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.