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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, hesitated to declare he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will always live a part of me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.