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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

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

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

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

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

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

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