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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his previous Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing 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 median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.