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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.