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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, hesitated to declare this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will always live inside me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his previous Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.