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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

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

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.