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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

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

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

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

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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