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

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, the community will forever remain within me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

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

However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

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

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