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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, did not confirm this decision right away after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change there, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect 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 they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

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