The Mayor-Elect states he will make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, hesitated to declare this decision right away after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.