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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised 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 from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

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

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.