Zohran Mamdani states his intention to make his home in the storied Gracie Mansion

NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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