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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

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

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said 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 insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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