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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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