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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his humble Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

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

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

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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