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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability voters supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will forever remain a part of me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

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

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.