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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to focusing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his previous Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.