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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.