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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

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

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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