🔗 Share this article

The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.