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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his humble Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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