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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $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.