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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, did not confirm this decision immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the need to directing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

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

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

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