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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, was not quick to announce this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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