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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his humble Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled 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

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

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

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