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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

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

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

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

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled 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

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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