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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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