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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

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

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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