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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, did not confirm he would live there right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.