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Mamdani confirms Gracie Mansion residency
New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, announced on Monday he will reside in the historic Gracie Mansion, ending speculation about his post-election living arrangements.
Decision rooted in safety and focus
Mamdani, who campaigned on an affordability platform, said the choice was driven by family security and the need to concentrate on delivering policies voters endorsed. "This decision came down to our family's safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," he stated.
From Astoria to Manhattan
The mayor-elect currently lives in a rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens, a neighborhood known for its immigrant communities and diverse cuisine. Mamdani paid approximately $2,300 monthly for the unit, well below the city's average one-bedroom rent of $3,500.
In his statement, Mamdani expressed gratitude to Astoria, saying, "While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do."
Campaign controversy over housing
Mamdani's rent-stabilized apartment became a campaign flashpoint. Opponents, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticized him for occupying the unit despite his family's wealth-his mother is filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father is Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani.
Affordable housing remains central to Mamdani's agenda, with his "freeze the rent" proposal drawing both support and scrutiny.
Gracie Mansion's legacy and quirks
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has housed most New York City mayors since World War II. The Federal-style home, with its yellow exterior and East River views, offers five bedrooms and heightened security.
Not all mayors have embraced the residence. Michael Bloomberg opted to live in his Upper East Side townhouse during his three terms, arguing the mansion should serve public functions. He later funded its renovation.
The mansion's reputation for paranormal activity surfaced in 2022 when outgoing Mayor Eric Adams declared, "I don't care what anyone says. There are ghosts in there, man." Former First Lady Chirlane McCray previously reported unexplained noises and moving doors.
Transition timeline
Mamdani will move into Gracie Mansion around his January 1 inauguration, trading his modest Queens apartment for the historic compound.
