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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of focusing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.