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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, hesitated to declare this decision right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

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

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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