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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

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

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, hesitated to declare this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

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

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

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.