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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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