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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

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

However his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have opted to reside 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 ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, 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 in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.