Local Sports Stars Make the Back Bay Their Home

Nary a day goes by when you don’t read of a professional athlete buying a home in Boston.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, our most-famous local sports star, lives in the Back Bay. He loves the city; he’s been seen walking up and down Newbury Street, and drew a great deal of attention when he was in that car accident in September. (Until this past Sunday, we were all happy about his living here; now, perhaps he should take a long vacation in Los Angeles until we forget?)

Last year, Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey and his wife bought a $2-million condo in the Back Bay. And former Red Sox player Manny Ramirez lived in the Ritz-Carlton Towers for several years before moving when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. (His multi-million condo is still for sale, btw.)

But, not all sports stars like living in the city. Manny, for example, complained after leaving that he couldn’t get any privacy.

Why live in the suburbs?

Mostly, athletes look to the suburbs for one simple reason: they can get more space for their money. Have you ever seen the MTV series ‘Cribs’? While generally focused on rock and rap stars, they often cover athletes showing off their enormous homes. Athletes want ‘cribs’ that match their egos -- and they aren’t going to get that in a $1-million Back Bay condo with only 1,000 square feet of space, two-beds and two-baths. They want a huge 5,000-square foot single-family home on two acres of land.

But, the way I see it, why wouldn’t they want to live in the city? It’s close to two of the three major sports arenas and convenient to Logan Airport. Easy-in, easy-out.

Living in a large condo complex brings the added benefit of having front-desk and outside security already included in any monthly fees; no need to hire a private guard. And, when you’re not home, you can count on management to keep an eye on your property.

Boston’s a great city in which to get around on foot (or by limo), visit restaurants, and go shopping. And, stars can generally count on a level of privacy not seen in many other major US cities.

Privacy, please

Athletes might have to deal with a glance or two on Newbury Street and the occasional gaping fan wandering up to their tables at dinner, but mostly they can come and go as they please.

Real estate agents have steel-trapped mouths when dealing with famous people. They won’t risk losing future deals by blabbing to everyone about how they sold this guy that condo or how this family spent that much to buy and boy was the guy arrogant. It’s seen as unseemly to brag.

Everyone likes running into a sports or television and movie stars every once in awhile. It’s fun. So next time you go out on the town, bring your autograph book.

You can find your favorite athlete’s home address by searching the public database on websites such as the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds. Keep in mind that many times, they’ll hold their properties in a trust.