New York's next mayor affirms plans to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion

The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, the community will continue to reside inside me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security 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, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners 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 real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.