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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

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

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