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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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