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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, did not confirm he would live there immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside inside me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.