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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $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.