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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, hesitated to declare this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.