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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to the security of my family and the importance of directing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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