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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live inside me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.