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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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