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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria home.

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

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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