Zohran Mamdani states he will make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion

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

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

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

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

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

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

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing 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 typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.