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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, did not confirm this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.