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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

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.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately following his victory in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.