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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of focusing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will always live a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment although he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former 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 more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.