Zohran Mamdani, along with his wife Rama Duwaji, has officially moved into Gracie Mansion, the iconic official residence of New York City’s mayors.

The move marks a major change for the couple, who earlier lived in a modest one-bedroom apartment in Queens. Gracie Mansion, located in Manhattan, is estimated to be worth around $100 million and has been home to New York’s mayors for decades.

Workers were seen unloading cardboard boxes, houseplants, and rolled-up rugs as the couple moved in on Monday, January 11. Mamdani marked the moment with a short news conference on the riverside grounds of the mansion.

Calling it a fresh start, he said the couple felt lucky to begin “a new chapter” in another part of the city they now call home.

Later, Mamdani shared photos on Instagram and wrote, “Rama and I feel lucky to be starting a new chapter the way so many New Yorkers have, by moving to a new part of the city. We’re grateful for the welcome to the UES and humbled to be tenants of Gracie Mansion, a home that belongs to the people."

The Instagram post showed Mamdani and Rama walking towards the historic 11,000-square-foot mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Other images included their kitchen garden and vegetables, moving boxes marked ‘kitchen’, movers carrying cartons, and the couple holding hands as they entered their new home.

One photo also showed Mamdani addressing reporters outside Gracie Mansion.

Located in Yorkville near East 88th Street and East End Avenue, Gracie Mansion was built in 1799 by merchant Archibald Gracie. The mansion overlooks a bend in the East River and covers nearly 12,855 square feet.

In 1942, during World War II, the mansion became the official residence of New York City’s mayors. Former Mayor Fiorello La Guardia moved in that year and famously called it the “little White House" of New York, according to NDTV.

Since then, almost every New York mayor has lived there for at least part of their term.

Over the years, Gracie Mansion has served many roles, including a museum and even a public facility, before becoming a permanent mayoral residence. In the early 1980s, the Susan E. Wagner Wing was added to host public events.

The mansion still has features from the 1800s, including an original fireplace. The fireplace is linked to history, as Alexander Hamilton is said to have died after his duel with Aaron Burr.

The home includes large dining areas, a ballroom, multiple bedrooms, and a balcony overlooking the East River.

Former Mayor Eric Adams has also spoken about stories of a “friendly ghost” linked to the mansion, adding to its folklore.

In an interview with The New York Times, Mamdani said he and Rama plan to make small changes to the upstairs living space, including installing bidets. He also shared that he was happy to return to his childhood borough.

After settling in, Mamdani said he hopes to open Gracie Mansion to more New Yorkers, especially people who usually do not get a chance to visit such historic places.

With its deep history and public role, Gracie Mansion continues to remain not just a home for the city’s mayor, but a symbol that belongs to the people of New York.