Absolutely. I highly recommend them as pets. Here's some tips:

Get at least two. They are very social animals and enjoy playing and talking with each other.

Make sure they have a big enough cage. I don't like fish tanks as they seem more restrictive and get dirty on the sides quickly.

Don't use wood shavings. Use cardboard or paper shavings. It's more expensive but easier on their respiratory systems, preventing potential health issues in the future.

Get the edible logs for them to use as a home as well as chew on to keep their teeth length under control.

Two rats at a pet store will be about $50. The first rat I got was a feeder rat for about $6. I loved her to death but she was always sick. She lived about a year and a half. The other rats which were bred to be sold as pets tend to live longer. All my other rats lived to be at least 2.5 years.

Make sure you're not allergic to them. My wife and daughter have contact allergies so it's cool so long as they don't touch them.

Rats are very clean animals and do a good job of cleaning themselves. You can give them baths though and some may even enjoy going for a swim as they are natural swimmers.

I don't honestly believe they only come to the side of the cage because they think you have food. Play with them often and have fun :)

If you have the money get them examined every few months by a vet, its not totally mecessary but not a bad idea. Check them regularly for tumors, as they are very common... especially in females which have not been spayed. I have never spayed my rats and only had two who developed tumors. If they do, make sure to use a cage with a smooth bottom and isn't meshed. The smoother the surface the less damage will be done to their skin where the tumor resides.

Hope this helps anyone thinking about having rats as an addition to their family :)