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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his previous Astoria home.

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

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

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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