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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

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

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

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his modest Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

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