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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

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.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

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

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.