🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani states he will live in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid. A Historic Residence Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, did not confirm he would live there immediately after his electoral win in November. "The choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday. A Fond Farewell Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity. "To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he added. Campaign Controversy In his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation. However his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a famous family. Not All Mayors Stayed Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012. Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Vastly Different Setting When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria digs. Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River. Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period. The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year. Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford. It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment. Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.