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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.