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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will always live within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in 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.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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