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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

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

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

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