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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to directing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

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

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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