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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all 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 he would live there right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will always live a part of me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

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

However his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.