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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, hesitated to declare he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will always live a part of me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

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

However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.