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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.