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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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