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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to directing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, it will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

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

However his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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