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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, it will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

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

Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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