Rats in Back Bay/Beacon Hill?? (Boston: real estate, apartment, neighborhoods)

[LLK760]

Hi everyone! All of you have given me such helpful information in response to my questions, so thank you so much. Unfortunately, I'm going to bother you with one more

I recently spoke with a real estate agent who told me that I shouldn't be looking in Back Bay or Beacon Hill to buy because the rat problem in these areas is completely out of control and no matter how clean I keep my apartment or in which area of these neighborhoods I live in, they will take over my house. In all my searching on this forum, I haven't heard anything about this? I understand that in a city with restaurants, etc. there are bound to be some unpleasant vermin here and there. But surely everyone wouldn't be recommending these areas if it is really that bad? I'm confused. Can someone give me a realistic perspective on how bad this issue is? And if it is really out of control, where would you guys recommend looking to live in the Boston area to avoid (or at least minimize) it?

Thanks so much again!!

[kpk106]

Living in Beacon Hill I can tell you that it really isn't all that bad. I've seen a mouse in my building once and after saying something to my property manager, have yet to see anything else.

Realistically, living in the city, there are going to be vermin, the only difference is whether you know of it or not.

I don't think it's any reason not to look at either back bay or beacon hill, as they are really two of the nicer areas in Boston to live.

[LLK760]

Whew! Thanks for the post, kpk106. I am glad to hear from someone who actually lives in Beacon Hill that rats are not ruling the streets. I think that the real estate agent I spoke with might be exaggerating a bit. Glad to hear your perspective is not nearly as dramatic!

[RemiJP]

Originally Posted by LLK760

Whew! Thanks for the post, kpk106. I am glad to hear from someone who actually lives in Beacon Hill that rats are not ruling the streets. I think that the real estate agent I spoke with might be exaggerating a bit. Glad to hear your perspective is not nearly as dramatic!

I've lived in Back Bay and rats and mice were no more a problem than they are in other parts of the city. Sounds like the realty agent was trying really hard to convince you not to bother with those neighborhoods!

[holden125]

Sometimes people have old info that gets cemented in their minds. I think there was more of a rat issue in the Back Bay about 10 years ago, closer to the river.