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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

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

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

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

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

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

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.