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New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision right away after 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 agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

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

Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent outpaces the average income.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.