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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

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

But his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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