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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.