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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the imperative to directing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.