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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although 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, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

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

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning 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 exceeds what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.