🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect affirms he will live in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his campaign. A Traditional Abode Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era. Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November. "The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. A Fond Farewell Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity. "To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed. "While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed. Political Debate Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation. Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he is from a famous family. A House Not Always Used Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home. Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River. Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period. The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds. The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year. Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents. It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.