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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor 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 wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.