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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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