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The city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

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

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

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

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