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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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