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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, hesitated to declare this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

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

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

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

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home 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 cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.