New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced that he and his wife will move into the official mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, once he assumes office in January. He explained that the decision was made to ensure his family’s safety and allow him to fully concentrate on delivering his “affordability agenda” for the city. Sharing the update on social media, Mamdani wrote, “My wife Rama and I have made the decision to move into Gracie Mansion in January.” He reflected on how meaningful their Astoria home has been, adding that the neighbourhood will always remain a part of him and his work.

He stated that the move prioritises his family’s security and will help him focus on implementing the affordability measures New Yorkers elected him for. He expressed how much they will miss their current community—from endless Adeni chai to lively conversations in Spanish, Arabic, and other languages, along with the familiar scents of seafood and shawarma drifting through the area.

Mamdani, who ran on a platform centred on affordability and housing security, won last month’s mayoral election by a large margin, becoming the youngest New York mayor in over a century at age 34. He faced criticism for living in a rent-stabilised, subsidised apartment while earning $142,000 (around Rs 1.27 crore) annually. His current one-bedroom, 800-square-foot Astoria apartment costs about $2,300 (roughly Rs 2 lakh) per month and includes heat and hot water as required by city law. Despite lacking an in-unit washer or dryer, the building—constructed in 1929—has elevators and a shared laundry room.

Gracie Mansion, by contrast, offers East River views, a veranda, an entertainment room with a large fireplace, and a dining space decorated with Parisian-style wallpaper, where mayors can dine on meals prepared by a full-time chef. Astoria is considered an affordable neighbourhood popular with young residents and families, while the Upper East Side—where Gracie Mansion is located—is known for its world-renowned museums and bars. In terms of security, Gracie Mansion has a high fence, surveillance cameras, and constant police presence. According to the New York Times, the extensive security and space for official gatherings are the main reasons most New York mayors ultimately choose to live at Gracie Mansion.