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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

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

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to dedicating my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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