From one-bedroom flat to 11,000-sq-ft mansion: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani moves into official residence

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, have begun moving into Gracie Mansion, the city’s official mayoral residence, leaving behind their modest one-bedroom apartment in Queens. The move marks a major lifestyle shift for the new mayor — from a small, flood-prone rental to one of the most famous homes in New York City.

Moving Day at the Mayor’s Mansion

Workers were seen unloading cardboard boxes, houseplants, and rolled-up carpets as the couple settled into their new home on Monday, January 11, according to the Associated Press. Mamdani marked the moment with a short press interaction on the mansion’s riverfront lawn. Calling it a fresh start, he said the couple felt lucky to begin “a new chapter” in a different part of the city they now call home.

What Is Gracie Mansion?

Gracie Mansion is an 18th-century home that became the official residence of New York City’s mayors in 1942. Nearly every mayor since then has lived there at least part of the time. The mansion is known for its historic charm, sweeping views of the East River, and its role in hosting major city events and foreign dignitaries.

A Big Change from His Old Apartment

The contrast between Mamdani’s old home and his new one is striking. According to AP, the mayor previously lived in a $2,300-a-month one-bedroom apartment that had no washer or dryer and often flooded due to a broken pipe.

Gracie Mansion, by comparison, offers:

• 11,000 square feet of space


• A private chef


• An ornate ballroom


• A large veranda overlooking the East River

The home also includes a fireplace linked to a famous moment in American history and, as former Mayor Eric Adams once joked, even has a ghost.

Does the Move Clash With His Political Image?

Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, is aware that moving into such a grand residence may seem at odds with his promise to lead a government that “looks and lives like the people it represents.” However, he said the decision was partly driven by new security needs that come with the job.

Plans for the Mansion

Once settled, Mamdani said he plans to open Gracie Mansion to more New Yorkers — especially people who usually don’t get the chance to visit places like this.

He also joked about wanting to make a few personal touches, including the “aspirational hope” of installing bidets in the bathrooms.

From Astoria to the Upper East Side

Mamdani spent much of his childhood in Manhattan, living in a university-subsidised apartment where his father worked as a professor.

Later, as a state legislator, he chose to live in Astoria, Queens — a diverse and affordable neighbourhood often referred to as the “People’s Republic of Astoria” for its strong support of left-leaning leaders.

Before moving out, Mamdani said he would miss the area’s street life, languages, and food culture, from chai to shawarma.

A Politically Different Neighbourhood

The Upper East Side, where Gracie Mansion is located, is one of the city’s wealthiest and least diverse areas. Nearly three-quarters of its residents are white, according to AP.

Interestingly, while Mamdani won Astoria by a wide margin, his rival, Andrew Cuomo, performed much better in the Upper East Side.

What Neighbours Are Saying

Some residents are already sharing their thoughts. Speaking to AP, Upper East Sider Zoe Cuddy described the area as “the suburbs of Manhattan” and said she hoped Mamdani would enjoy its quiet charm.

She added that people in the neighbourhood would likely warm up to him.
“I think we’ll grow to be happy to have him here,” she said.