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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, hesitated to declare this decision right away after his victory in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

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

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

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