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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

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

But his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his humble Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.