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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.