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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

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

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability voters supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his previous Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

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

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.