From Astoria Apartment to Gracie Mansion: NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani's Housing Decision

Zohran Mamdani, New York's recently elected mayor, currently resides with his wife Rama Duwaji in a modest one-bedroom rental apartment. During his appearance on 'The New Yorker Radio Hour', Mamdani candidly shared, "My wife and I have just talked about the fact that a one-bedroom is a little too small for us now." He also recounted a recent maintenance issue where their sink leaked, forcing him to cover the floor with towels one morning.

Should Mamdani opt to relocate to the historic 226-year-old mayoral residence on the Upper East Side, he would trade his maintenance troubles for an expansive 11,000-square-foot mansion. Gracie Mansion features elegant mirrors, chandeliers, faux mahogany doors, extensive grounds with apple and fig trees, and even a vegetable garden.

The 34-year-old mayor-elect has not yet confirmed his housing plans. During a recent interview, he stated, "I don't yet have an answer on where I'm going to be living, but I can tell you where I'm going to be working, and that's City Hall."

Mamdani's current 800-square-foot apartment includes heat and hot water in the rent as mandated by New York City law. While the apartment lacks laundry facilities, residents have access to a communal laundry room in the building. His 1929 building also features an elevator, considered a valuable amenity in Astoria.

By contrast, Gracie Mansion offers spectacular East River views from its veranda. The residence includes an entertaining space with a grand fireplace and formal dining areas adorned with wallpaper depicting Parisian gardens. Meals can be prepared by the mansion's full-time chef.

The neighborhoods present stark contrasts as well. Astoria remains an affordable area popular with young professionals and families, while the Upper East Side hosts world-renowned museums and upscale establishments.

Security at Gracie Mansion is comprehensive, featuring high fencing, surveillance cameras, and police officers stationed outside at all times.

According to the New York Times, these security features combined with the mansion's capacity to host official gatherings ultimately convince most New York mayors to choose Gracie Mansion as their residence.