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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

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

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