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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the importance of directing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

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

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying 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 former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted 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 consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.