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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.