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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

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

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters 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 declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.