🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani states plans to make his home in historic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid. A Traditional Abode Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm this decision right away following his electoral win in November. "My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to directing my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in his announcement. Leaving Astoria He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine. "To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added. A Contentious Issue Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements. Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a well-known family. Not All Mayors Stayed Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012. Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion. The outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Grand New Home Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home. With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River. Inside, the first 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 boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants. Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds. Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man." The Value of Rent Stabilization Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year. City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents. It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment. According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.