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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.