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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

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

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment 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 find himself in a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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