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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

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

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

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

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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