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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

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

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

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

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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