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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.