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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.