The Mayor-Elect states his intention to live in the storied Gracie Mansion

New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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