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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

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

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

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

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