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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.