🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor confirms he will live in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his election bid. An Iconic Home Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century. However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November. "The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said on Monday. Leaving Astoria Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining. "To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed. Political Debate Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements. However his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he hails from a well-known family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his modest Astoria digs. Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River. Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era. The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises. Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue His former home is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year. New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford. Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.