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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will always live within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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