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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, hesitated to declare this decision immediately after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, 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 place for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.