The Mayor-Elect affirms plans to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion

New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, was not quick to announce he would live there right away after his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to directing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

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

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous 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 even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures 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.