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

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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