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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live 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 wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.