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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his humble Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.