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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

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

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.