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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.

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.