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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

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

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.