New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.
Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.
Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.
"This decision came down to the security of my family and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.
Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.
"To the people of Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.
"While I may no longer live there, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he added.
During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.
However his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a well-known family.
Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.
As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.
Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.
Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.
The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.
Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.
Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.
The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.
Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.
Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.
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