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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will forever remain a part of me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

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

But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.