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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

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

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his humble Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the average income.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.