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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.