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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his humble Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.