🔗 Share this article

The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there right away after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will always live a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.