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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.