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

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

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

But his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

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

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent 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 single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.