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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his victory in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the imperative to directing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, the community will always live a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.