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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

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 rent control is a core policy, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, it will always live within me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

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

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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