Zohran Mamdani Will Move Into Historic Gracie Mansion as New York’s Next Mayor

New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani has officially announced that he will reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion, joining decades of mayors who have lived in the historic home overlooking the East River. The decision ends speculation from his campaign period, during which Mamdani had not immediately confirmed whether he would leave his rent-stabilised apartment in Astoria.

Gracie Mansion, built in 1799, has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors since World War II. For Mamdani — whose political platform centered heavily on affordable housing — the choice sparked public interest.

In a statement issued Monday, Mamdani said:
“This decision came down to our family’s safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus to enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for.”

Farewell to Astoria, but Not Its Values

Mamdani has lived in Queens’ multicultural Astoria neighborhood, an area beloved for its middle-class communities and global cuisine.
“While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do,” he wrote, thanking residents for their support.

During the campaign, Mamdani connected his policy stance — a freeze on rent increases — to his personal experience living in a rent-stabilised unit. Critics, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, argued that Mamdani’s well-known family background made his choice of apartment questionable. His mother, Mira Nair, is a celebrated filmmaker, while his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a professor at Columbia University.

Gracie Mansion, built in 1799, is the official residence of the New York City mayor

Not All Mayors Choose Gracie Mansion

Some past mayors opted out of living in the residence. Billionaire Michael Bloomberg spent his three terms in his private Upper East Side townhouse, insisting Gracie Mansion be used primarily for public events. He also funded major renovations of the aging property.

What Awaits Mamdani at Gracie Mansion

When Mamdani moves in around his January 1 inauguration, he will step into a very different environment from his modest Astoria home. The mansion features butter-yellow exterior walls, green shutters, white railings, and picturesque views of the East River. Its interior maintains a Federal-era aesthetic, while the grounds include enhanced security and reportedly five bedrooms.

The residence also carries a reputation for ghostly encounters.
Former First Lady Chirlane McCray once said doors opened on their own and floorboards creaked mysteriously. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more blunt:
“There are ghosts in there, man.”

A Contrast in Rent Costs

Mamdani’s previous apartment cost roughly $2,300 per month, far below the citywide average. According to Zillow, a typical one-bedroom in New York City now rents for around $3,500 monthly, making rent-stabilised units vital lifelines for many residents.

Source: BBC