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

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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