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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has several 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, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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