The Mayor-Elect confirms his intention to reside in the iconic Gracie Mansion

The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

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

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

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

However his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested 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 closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines 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.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.