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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, did not confirm this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change there, it will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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