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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a prominent 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 own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

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