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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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