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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its abundance of immigrant populations 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 there, Astoria will forever remain within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-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 more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

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