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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, did not confirm he would live there immediately following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

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

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.