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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will forever remain a part of me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.