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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.