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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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