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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

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

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

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

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged 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 even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.