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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

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

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous 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 even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment 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 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.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.