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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.