🔗 Share this article The Mayor-Elect affirms he will reside in the storied Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid. A Traditional Abode Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the World War II era. However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his electoral win in November. "This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement. A Fond Farewell His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted. "Even though I'm moving there, it will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said. A Contentious Issue In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant. But his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria home. With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River. Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins. The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family. Haunted History Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." A Critical Policy Issue His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year. Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income. Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.