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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

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

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

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

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor 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 during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

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

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

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

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

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

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