Relocating to Guam?

[Otter]

tough question to answer, but whats the real low-down on relocating to Guam from the U.S. mainland?

Are American's liked/disliked? Are there jobs? Whats the cost of living like?

I am looking for a place to semi-retire; dive warm waters; be close to the rest of South Pacific; and still have a reasonably similar lifestyle (primarily for my wife's benefit). Hawaii is too 'touristy' for me.

If you can give me an idea and/or point me to other resouces, I would appreciate it.

 

[dscheck]

Otter,

I was stationed in Guam from 1987 to 1988, I know it has been awhile, but what I remember is this. There are certain elements in Guam that do not like presence of the US military on "their" Island. There were certain sectioned of the city that was off-limits to the military. But a retired civilain, I believe could enjoy a relatively peaceful time on Guam. But, as Hawaii is to the US, Guam is to the Japanese and I am sure that the developement of the Island has continued over the past 16 years.

I remember that Agana (Capitol) was a fairly modern city, had all the amenities of a mid-sized mainland city, with McDonalds, KFC, Sizzler, a mall etc... don't expect too much from the local job market...

But, the diving is out of this world, just wish I knew then what I know now about diving and the ecosystems...I probably squandered several oportunities of a lifetime just because I didn't know what I was looking for or at...Hope this helps, Good Luck

 

[Iruka]

http://www.heptune.com/guam.html

Above is a link which has TONS of information about Guam; it's well-writtten & funny (so obviously not government-produced, ha ha)
Email me if you have some more questions, but this will answer a lot of them, I think.

My website shows photos of diving & scenery & stuff, but I don't have much information of the kind you're looking for...might add that stuff in as time permits. I'm also on the scubaguam board where you asked this question, so I won't answer it over there.

 

[Diver1126]

Hi Otter,

I have lived on Guam now for 19 years. I came to Guam in 1985 on active duty in the US Navy, fell in love with the island, the lifestyle and the people. I retired from the navy and stayed here. I teach diving, travel Micronesia and Asia extensively. There is very good diving here (81-86 degree water with 100 ft plus visibility and many easy access beach dive sites) and you have easy access to the best diving in the world: Micornesia, Philippines, Malayasia, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand. The diving is the primary reason I am here. The work is plentifull for me as i have issued 4000 certs here in the last 16 years.

Guam is part of the USA and is similar to Hawaii, but not as crowded. Jobs are available here if you have any skills and want work. Cost of living is similar to southern CA, but gasoline and food are higher. If you are military and have access to base exchanges and commissaries, you will save a bunch.

Yes, there is a very small element here that is anti-american...but that exists anyplace you go. They are truthfully not a factor. The public transportation is essentially non-existent so a vehicle is a must.

Any other questions I can answer for you, please feel free to contact me.

Larry

 

[marpacifica]

I live on Saipan, but go to Guam numerous times a year for diving/shopping/transit. I can attest to it being a great hopping off place to hit other destinations. All Continental roads lead into and out of Guam, so fares are "cheaper" if you fly out of there and you don't have to deal with the connections we have to from other Micronesian islands. Plus you get special rates on airfare, food and other goodies if you have a local driver's license. I've been to both Guam and Hawaii (but never lived on either), and I thought that the anti-mainlander sentiments were stronger in Hawaii than in Guam. Tumon Bay is a scaled down version of Waikiki. I didn't like Guam until I started diving there and visited the southern part of the island, which reminded me very much of the north shores of many of the Hawaiian islands -- laid back, friendlier people, lush, windswept, rural. Diving is better than in Hawaii, but you won't see the colors, pelagics or macro action as you do in other places (Palau, Philippines, Indonesia, PNG). Diving is also CHEAPER than in Hawaii, especially if you join a local diving club. www.mdaguam.com is a good place to start. They offer a discount card that pays for itself the first time you dive or buy anything of value. Guam Tropical Dive is an alternative but I've never dived with them, just had some of my regs serviced there (they did a great job).

Note that many people I know are moving away from Saipan and Guam, and the papers report a larger than usual number of bankruptcy filings, foreclosures, and businesses for sale. The economy in this area, although improving, is still depressed. It's driven by the Asian tourist market, mostly Japanese, so those economies are intricately tied to the region's. We took a heavy hit in the region after SARS, and Guam is still trying to recover from the physical and economic damage of Typhoon Pongsona back in Dec. 2002. But don't let this news discourage you. It's a great time to buy property if you're willing to wait for the next business cycle peak.

 

[h3o]

I have lived in Guam for 17 years and can tell you that there is very little Anti-American sentiment there. It would be extremely rare for you to encounter any sort of anti-american sentiment doing day to day things. I know many Americans that have made Guam their home, and I don't mean just in the military. The relationship between the islanders and Americans from the mainland is very similar to that in Hawaii. Since you are in IT, I believe the island has somewhat of a shortage of IT professionals. I think you would be best off trying somewhere in the government of Guam. For example, Gov Guam bought thousands of dollars in licenses for Oracle software but nobody knew how to use it/figure it out. My friend works at the Supreme Court of Guam's MIS department and makes about $25/hour, just out of school.

As for the diving, it's okay, but nothing compared to the other Micronesian islands. Since you have gone to Yap (if I remember correctly), the reefs in Guam aren't as healthy and populated as Yap, Palau, Chuuk, and other islands. Guam boat diving is dirt cheap though... about $25-$35 for 2 tank daily boat dives. And there are a number of good shore dives around the island. When are you thinking of going if you'll be going? I'll be there mid July to mid August. If you'll be there that time, send me a pm and if you want to go diving =)