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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

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

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.