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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

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

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his modest Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.