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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

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

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.