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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his modest Astoria home.

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

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

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.