The Mayor-Elect states plans to reside in the storied Gracie Mansion

New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

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

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

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

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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