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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, did not confirm this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live there, it will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, 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 furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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