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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change there, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.