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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will forever remain inside me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

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

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.