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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

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

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his modest Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.