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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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