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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability voters supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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