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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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