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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of directing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

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

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

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

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known 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 private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.