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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans promptly after his electoral win in November.

"The choice came down to the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.