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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

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

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.