New York's next mayor states his intention to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion

New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

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

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.