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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, did not confirm this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside inside me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

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

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.