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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, the community will forever remain inside me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.