🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect affirms he will reside 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 traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his campaign. An Iconic Home Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period. However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his victory in November. "The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said on Monday. A Fond Farewell Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "While I may no longer live there, it will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added. Political Debate Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation. Yet his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment 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 former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs. Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River. Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period. The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily. The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year. New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford. Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.