🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani confirms he will make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his election bid. An Iconic Home Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare he would live there right away after his triumph in November. "My choice was based on the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement. A Fond Farewell His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "While I may no longer live there, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he said. Political Debate Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements. However his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a prominent family. Previous Exceptions Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his previous Astoria digs. Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, 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 furnished to reflect the home's original era. The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family. Supernatural Speculation A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year. Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford. Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $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.