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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the need to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.