🔗 Share this article

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 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 his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change there, the community will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing 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.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.