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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his previous Astoria home.

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

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.