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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment although he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.