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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, did not confirm this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will always live within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

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

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.