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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change there, it will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

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

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.