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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm this decision right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

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

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

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