🔗 Share this article

NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $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.