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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, hesitated to declare he would live there right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

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

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than 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 average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.