Zohran Mamdani confirms he will reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, hesitated to declare this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.