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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

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

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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