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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to directing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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