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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his previous Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed 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 closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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