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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.