Zohran Mamdani confirms his intention to make his home in historic Gracie Mansion

The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

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

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will always live inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

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

Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.