We certainly think so! Moving to Guam means you can say goodbye to your winter wardrobe, enjoy the island’s relaxed pace, sun yourself on Guam’s gorgeous beaches, and immerse yourself in the island’s unique culture.
Plus, if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you won’t need any special paperwork to make the move. Since Guam is a U.S. territory, there’s no work visa or entry paperwork required for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
But you don’t have to take our word for it! If you want to know more about the perks that make Guam a good place to live, keep reading…
You’ll Enjoy Warm Weather All Year Long
One of the main pros that draws people to Guam is the island’s tropical climate. You’ll enjoy temperatures between 70° and 90° F throughout the year. If you’re tired of scraping ice off your car windshield or shivering in your winter coat, come on out to Guam and leave those winter blues behind!
Even though Guam’s temperatures are fairly steady year round, Guam does have two distinct seasons:
- A dry season from about December–June
- A rainy season that lasts from about July–November
But you never have to worry about that rain turning into snow!
You Won’t Have to Pay State Income Tax
If you’re lucky enough to live in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming, you’re already reaping the benefits of no state income tax.
However, if you live in one of the other 43 U.S. states, you’re giving over a percentage of your income each year to the state you live in. Residents in the highest income tax states may pay as much as 7.65% (Wisconsin), 8.82% (New York), 9.85% (Minnesota), 11% (Hawaii), or 13.3% (California)—depending on your income.
Sample State Income Tax Rates
7.65% – Wisconsin
8.82% – New York
9.85% – Minnesota
11% – Hawaii
13.3% – California
When you establish your residency in Guam, you’ll pay one single annual income tax to the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation. The department uses the same tax tables as the IRS, so the bottom line is this: You’ll pocket whatever state taxes you paid at your old residence.
For many, that can mean an immediate boost in their take-home pay—definitely a plus that makes Guam a good place to live!
It’s Easy for U.S. Citizens to Make the Move
As we mentioned earlier, U.S. citizens and permanent residents don’t have to apply for a visa or file any kind of special paperwork to live in Guam. You’re good to reside on the island indefinitely. (And if you’re not a U.S. citizen, the visa requirements for Guam are the same as for the rest of the U.S.)
Additionally, there are two other elements that will help U.S. citizens and permanent residents make an easy transition to Guam:
English is widely spoken.
The island of Guam has two official languages: English and Chamorro, the language of Guam’s original inhabitants. You’ll also find a number of other languages spoken on Guam. However, a majority of Guam’s inhabitants speak English. In other words, you won’t have to learn a new language when you move to Guam.
Guam operates on the U.S. dollar.
No need to worry about exchange rates. The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Guam.
If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, these elements can make Guam seem like a pretty easy place to move to—and a great place to live.
Guam Is a Convenient Jumping-Off Point for Travel
If you’ve lived most of your life on the continental U.S., Asia-Pacific may feel like a far-flung destination. However, once you move to Guam, you’ll be perfectly positioned to do more travel in the region.
In fact, you’re just hours from several top travel destinations, including:
- Tokyo: ~4 hours
- Manila: ~4 hours
- Seoul: ~5 hours
- Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia: ~2 hours
Plus, you’ll find many more destinations available via connection, especially from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, which is a major hub for the region, as well as one of the largest airports in the world.
Guam’s Real Estate Is Significantly Cheaper Than Hawaii
The price of owning real estate in Hawaii has dashed many Americans’ hopes of living in a Pacific paradise. Currently, the typical value of a home in Hawaii is $909,473, making it easy to see why Hawaii homeownership might be out of reach for many individuals and families.
However, on Guam, you may be able to find a single-family home for the equivalent price of a one-bedroom condo in Waikiki. Of course, your mileage will vary from property to property. But it’s a safe bet that your real estate dollar will go further on Guam than in Hawaii. That’s yet another point in Guam’s favor.
The Island Offers a Friendly, Welcoming Atmosphere
Warm hospitality is a signature feature of the Chamorro culture that infuses the island today. When you arrive on Guam, you’ll find many friendly residents happy to welcome you as a newcomer. You’ll also find a tight-knit community on Guam with a lot of interconnectedness. If you enjoy a small-town atmosphere where everybody seemingly knows everybody, you’ll enjoy living on Guam.
You’ll often hear a cheerful “Hafa adai!” from your fellow Guam residents—a Chamorro phrase used as a greeting. (It’s pronounced half-a-day.) If you want to be ready to return this pleasantry, you might as well start practicing now.
To help you perfect your pronunciation, check out this vintage performance from local legend, Jimmy Dee:
Relax with Guam’s Slower, Gentler Pace of Living
Things on Guam move at their own pace, and that’s one of the things we love about living here. If you’re coming from the continental U.S., it might take a few days (or weeks!) to adjust to the speed at which Guam operates.
Our suggestion? Embrace it! Not having to rush around is one of the reasons people move to an island like Guam in the first place. You may have to consciously adjust your expectations, especially when estimating how long it will take to run a few errands. Once you do, though, you’ll discover a whole new attitude—and lifestyle—worth exploring.
It’s an Incredible Place If You Love the Beach & the Ocean
You’ll find somewhere between 40 and 50 beaches on Guam. (Depending how you count them!) If you’re someone who loves nothing more than to set up camp along the shoreline for the day, Guam will feel like heaven.
However, not everyone is a sit-on-the-beach kind of person. For those who see the beach as a launching point for aquatic adventures, Guam offers plenty of possibilities. You’ll find a number of vibrant coral reefs and a whole host of diverse marine life while snorkeling and diving in Guam’s crystal clear waters.
In other words, beach bums and underwater enthusiasts alike will both find Guam a great place to live.
There’s Tons of Great Food to Enjoy
At the center of many celebrations on Guam, you’ll find food—and plenty of it! The diverse range of cultures you’ll find on Guam also means a diverse range of dishes served. In addition to traditional Chamorro food, you’ll enjoy tastes from the Philippines, neighboring Pacific Islands, and Asia. Craving something different? You’ll also find German, Jamaican, and Italian restaurants on Guam, as well as traditional American steakhouses. In summary, are options to satisfy all kinds of tastes on Guam.
Curious to hear more about Guam’s traditional foods? Take a peek at the DeWitt Guam team’s favorite traditional foods on Guam. If your mouth starts to water, all we can say is . . . we warned you!
The Island Has a Strong Military Community with Plenty of Benefits
If you’re a member of the armed forces, you probably already know that there’s a large military population on Guam. The island is home to Joint Region Marianas, whose installations include U.S. Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. According to the Department of Defense, approximately 21,700 military members and their families live on Guam. In other words, about 13% of Guam’s population of 168,783 have some kind of military affiliation.
If you’re a member of the armed forces—or a veteran—you’ll enjoy a strong sense of community, plus many military discounts throughout the island, which often mean somewhere around 10% off with your military ID.
Additionally, if you have commissary and exchange privileges, you’ll be able to shop at the various base locations on the island. There, you’ll find much cheaper prices than in local stores. Plus, you’ll also get access to some of the cheapest gasoline on the island.
In summary, Guam’s strong military community means plenty of perks for the members of our armed forces, making Guam an attractive place to live for active and retired servicemembers.
You’ll Get the Opportunity to Experience a Whole New Culture
Once you start exploring Guam, you’ll discover the island’s unique culture, built on the foundation set by the Chamorro, Guam’s original inhabitants. Add to that the traditions brought arrivals from many different parts of the world, and you’ll get a distinct blend that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
In other words, if you’re looking for unique cultural experience—one you can’t find anywhere else—Guam is a great place to live.
Considering a Move to Guam?
If all of these reasons have you convinced that Guam is a great place to live, there’s only one thing left: deciding to take the leap and move to Guam.
Our Tamuning-based team would be happy to help you make a safe, easy, and affordable relocation to Guam. We’d also be happy to talk to you more about why we love living in Guam, and why we think you’d love it, too. Just reach out to start a complimentary quote. We’ll be in touch shortly!