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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, hesitated to declare this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria home.

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

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.