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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

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

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

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