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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

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