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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the importance of directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment although he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

Records showed 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 single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.