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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his victory in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live within me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he hails from a well-known 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 during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared 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 hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.