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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to directing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

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

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.