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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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