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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will always live a part of me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his previous Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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