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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

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

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open 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. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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