🔗 Share this article

NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, did not confirm this decision promptly after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will forever remain within me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.