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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda voters voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $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.