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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his previous Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.