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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core platform, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

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

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live 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.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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