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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

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

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his victory in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

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

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.