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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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