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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm he would live there right away following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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