🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect states he will reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid. A Historic Residence Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century. Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his victory in November. "My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to directing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement. Thanking a Neighborhood Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity. "To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted. "Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he affirmed. Campaign Controversy Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements. Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family. Previous Exceptions Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his modest Astoria apartment. Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River. Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period. The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises. Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year. City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income. Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.