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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his victory in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability voters supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will always live within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

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

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.