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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been 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, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will always live within me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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