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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his victory in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his humble Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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 studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.