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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

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

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day 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 bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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