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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying 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.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

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

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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