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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

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

Yet his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.