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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live inside me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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