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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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 floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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