🔗 Share this article Zohran Mamdani confirms he will make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office. An Iconic Home Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century. But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November. "This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement. Leaving Astoria He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity. "To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said. "While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside inside me and my work," he added. Political Debate Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation. However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a famous family. A House Not Always Used Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion. Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012. In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion. The exterior of Gracie Mansion in New York City. A Stately Residence Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home. Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River. Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period. The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family. Ghostly Tales A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents. Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds. The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man." Affordable Housing Lifeline Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year. City residents see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the average income. Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment. Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.