New York's next mayor affirms he will make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion

New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his victory in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor 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 throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.