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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

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

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former 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 adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported 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.