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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

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

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