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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will forever remain within me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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.