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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

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

But his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, 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 historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has 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 partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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