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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, did not confirm he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change there, it will always live inside me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

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

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.