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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

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

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans promptly after his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

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

Records showed 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.