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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in 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 billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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