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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, did not confirm he would live there immediately following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda voters elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his critics, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

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

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.