🔗 Share this article New York's next mayor affirms he will live in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign. A Historic Residence Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century. Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November. "My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday. Leaving Astoria His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine. "To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed. "Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my work," he affirmed. Campaign Controversy In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant. Yet his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he came from a prominent family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion. The facade of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his humble Astoria home. With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River. Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins. The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family. Haunted History Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year. City residents see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income. It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.