The Mayor-Elect confirms he will make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

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

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

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

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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