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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

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

Yet his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.