January 25, 2008
Aww, Rats
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Remember that final scene of The Departed? When the rat scurries across the railing of Matt Damon’s apartment with Beacon Hill in the background? Well, forget what Scorsese says - that shot brings up a pretty valid - and unfortunate - point about the neighborhood, and nearby Back Bay: the rats can be a bit of a problem. |
“There is a rat in your unit!” |
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It’s a perfect storm of conditions that draws the fuzzy critters into the region. The area’s classic brownstones and Georgian row houses have older, less rat-proof foundations, and many are built on landfill that gives easy access to the sewer system. Plus the Big Dig and high-rise construction in traditionally more ratty Chinatown have sent a veritable rodent diaspora into the rest of Boston. |
Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to fight back against the little buggers. An effective first step for those moving into Beacon Hill can be to aim for higher ground (topographical map). But as this sensational luxury four-bed, complete with private garden and 2-car garage, shows, there’s a pretty close correlation between elevation and price. The less well-heeled can take heart that building managers in the neighborhood have stories about even the loftiest CEOs struggling with the ragged rodents.
Another good approach is seeking out recently renovated homes and condos, which tend to have updated and reinforced rat defenses. This Back Bay one-bed, one of the most frequently viewed properties in Boston, should offer increased protection. And, at $525,000, with all sorts of amenities included (heat, hot water, washer/dryer in unit), not that bad a deal, either.
