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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.