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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

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

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its diverse immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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