The Mayor-Elect states plans to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion

New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

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

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