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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, did not confirm he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife 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 more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated 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 hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.