The Mayor-Elect states he will live in the iconic Gracie Mansion

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

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

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

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