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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain within me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

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

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures 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 partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.