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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

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

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.