New York's next mayor confirms he will reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.