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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, hesitated to declare this decision right away following his victory in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live within me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

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