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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections 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.

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.