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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

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

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.