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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

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

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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