The Mayor-Elect affirms plans to make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion

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

A Historic Residence

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

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.