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NYC's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, was not quick to announce he would live there promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

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

But his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.