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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.