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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his victory in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change there, the community will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than 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.