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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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