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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his victory in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the older 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 modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

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

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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