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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.