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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

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

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of directing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments 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 the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.