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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

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

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to dedicating my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside inside me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent exceeds the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.