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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm this decision promptly following his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

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