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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will forever remain within me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

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