🔗 Share this article

New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his humble Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.