🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani states plans to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his run for office. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period. However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his electoral win in November. "My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed. "Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said. Campaign Controversy During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant. Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family. Previous Exceptions Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment. With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River. Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era. The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Outgoing 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 His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year. City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford. Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.