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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to directing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.