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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.