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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

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

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