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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, hesitated to declare he would live there right away following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

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

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $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.