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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, hesitated to declare he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will always live within me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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