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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

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

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.