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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, hesitated to declare he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, it will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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