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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

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

However his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

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

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.