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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately following his victory in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will always live a part of me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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