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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment although he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

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

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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