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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.