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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live a part of me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live 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.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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