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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

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

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

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

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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