Does Guam Suck?

I'm interested in moving to Guam per nice weather, closer to Philippines, etc but am hearing lots of bad things like:

polluted unsafe beaches--really sucks if true
cause nice beaches would seem to be a major attraction
lots of crime and you need bars on your house windows, etc
Terrible public schools
Terrible hospital
lots of stray dogs
people just dump stuff like refrigerators, etc
Terribly Nepotism per getting jobs, etc
Terrible drug problems

Is this stuff true?

We live in Oregon. Being on Guam however would put my Filipino wife much closer to her family in the PI. I think I could get some kind of government job on Guam. Nice weather attracts me.

Thanks much!

Guam has no culture at all. The place is a distorted area and is crappy. People there, even broke people think thier 'high class'. I'd prefer more of Saipan, they are more open there and actually have locals there that can speak the language of Chamorro.

Oh yeah, if you have a Pinoy wife, your wife will probably get racial remarks from the locals there in Guam. However its not that uncommon around all pacific islands, especially Hawaii. However islands like Tinian and Saipan are more accepting. All of the islands have sky rocketing electric bills. But locals around the northern islands invite almost anybody for a bbq. Your wife and you should be good, besides your soon growing hatred for the government. But I'm sure you and your wife will make great friends especially of Philipinos and locals around in Saipan. But the economy as of now last I check aint that good.

Try Saipan wrote:

Oh yeah, if you have a Pinoy wife, your wife will probably get racial remarks from the locals there in Guam. However its not that uncommon around all pacific islands, especially Hawaii. However islands like Tinian and Saipan are more accepting. All of the islands have sky rocketing electric bills. But locals around the northern islands invite almost anybody for a bbq. Your wife and you should be good, besides your soon growing hatred for the government. But I'm sure you and your wife will make great friends especially of Philipinos and locals around in Saipan. But the economy as of now last I check aint that good.

hey thank you!

your comments are most helpful though I did not understand what you meant by my son's hatred of the government??

thanks again!

oh you said

"besides your soon (not Son) growing hatred for the government"

what do you mean by this?

also, what do you mean by this:

"However its not that uncommon around all pacific islands, especially Hawaii."

Thanks so much!!

Don't come to Guam to be closer to the PI for your Filipina wife and bad mouth the island. You'll quickly come to regret your choice if you do so. There are ups and downs about the island, the same as anywhere, ANYWHERE else in the world. It just seems closer to home with Guam because it's small. The school system suck, yes. But 99% of a child's education depends on the child and the family from which the child comes. The school is not the education, it is simply a tool in which a child gets it.

It's spelled Filipinos, not Philipinos BTW, Saipan. Don't start crap in here - go to your Saipan forum.

Ryan wrote:

polluted unsafe beaches--really sucks if true cause nice beaches would seem to be a major attraction

There are some beaches that are not clean, but not all, for one reason or another. You just said why you're thinking of moving to Guam, and being attracted to beaches wasn't it so what's your point?

Ryan wrote:

lots of crime and you need bars on your house windows, etc

Are you now, like, living in Hootersville or Mayberry RFD? Have you lived in south central LA or east Saint Louis? Guam has its share of crime.

Ryan wrote:

Terrible public schools

Well, the school system is mismanaged, yes. But if you're taking about the quality of education. I tell you what, the people who are MOST worried about their kids not getting quality education are those parents who do not have their own education qualities in line to be able to have "bright children" who get their smarts from home.

Ryan wrote:

Terrible hospital
lots of stray dogs
people just dump stuff like refrigerators, etc
Terribly Nepotism per getting jobs, etc
Terrible drug problems
Is this stuff true?

Dude like what the heck are you looking for? Don't come to Guam then, if you're looking for perfection that you won't find anywhere.

Ryan wrote:

We live in Oregon. Being on Guam however would put my Filipino wife much closer to her family in the PI. I think I could get some kind of government job on Guam. Nice weather attracts me.

Take your wife to the Philippines. Your attitude is such that Guam would be a heartache for you, as well as an ass ache if you're loud about your attitude.

Well said Lanya dude.

Hafa, ko ma'pus si Saipan? Pura pachot'ha...

I was military TDY to Saipan in 2000. I found the locals to be friendly on Saipan and Tinian. Life is very relaxed compared to mainland USA and you need to get used to how everything slows down. Watch out when super typhoons hit the islands. No electricity for what seems like forever. I don't know Guam as I just changed planes there, but I could live on Saipan easily. Tinian is a little bit remote but could be a possibility. Not much there except a Chinese owned Casino called the Tinian Dynasty. There s no gambling on Saipan so thats where the Japanese on vacation head if they want to gamble. Good luck.

I've chosen to make my home on Guam for personal reasons, but this is the worst place I've ever lived. I've been to many islands, and most island people are welcoming, friendly, and charming. This place is almost hostile. No concept of hospitality, and the worst waiters and service people I've ever encountered in my life. Try taking care of business at the department of revenue and taxation - you may need a drink or a shoulder to cry on afterward.
Everything costs double, not just because goods have to be imported, but because local business have monopolies on certain industries and charge as much as they ca. When first apartment hunting, I was shown $1,500-$2,000 per month apartments so run-down and nasty that I've seen better section 8 housing stateside. This is because all property owners automatically set their base rents at military housing allowance, which is a ridiculously high $1,700. Try renting a decent (one that isn't filthy and will not get broken into) apartment on a regular salary - yeah, not gonna happen. Oh, and if you like air-conditioning (who doesn't when it's 90 degrees outside 90% of the year?), prepare to pay $400 or more per month for a single family home.
I've lived in big, major metropolitan areas, cities people associate with crime. I had never been robbed - until I got to Guam. I was robbed on Guam twice in two years. And when I say robbed, I mean "inside jobs." Staff at the hotel and apartment where I stayed had access to my rooms (duh, they're staff). One day, after a short stay off island, I came home to find everything gone - even my freaking tennis shoes. When the cops came, I pointed out empty beer cans that weren't mine (yeah, the thieves made themselves right at home). Perhaps they should take them for prints....they LAUGHED. The police LAUGHED AT ME because GUAM HAS NO FINGERPRINT DATABASE OR FORENSIC LAB OF ANY KIND.
People still abuse/ignore stray animals and enjoy cock-fighting here. The island's only pound is disgusting and in disrepair (have you been to the SPCA on Oahu? It's like a hotel). Guam's situation with animals is 40 years or more behind most developed nations.
If you get sick on Guam, you are screwed. Basically, if you go into Guam Memorial Hospital for an emergency, chances are you won't come out alive. The GMH emergency room entrance looks like a triage unit for an army doing ground warfare in the middle east. The parking lot is packed 24/7 (when I say "packed" I mean, cars have to park all the way down the street and into a residential area). Why? Because people who have no money or insurance use it as a clinic - because they know they can't be turned away. That's right - they just don't give a damn. They don't care that people with real emergencies may suffer because they caught a cold and don't want to pay for the treatment. Oh, did I mention the hospital is not approved by stateside medical organizations? And that some of its former directors have been accused/convicted of theft and selling prescriptions?
And based on news of late, it looks like our next governor will either be a nepotistic thief of a murdering thief. No, I am not speaking in metaphors - the locals will know what I'm talking about.
Most locals will start getting a rope ready to hang you if you spoke of any of this (elephant in living room stuff) in public. It's because most have never lived any where else for an extend period of time, although more Chamorros live off island than on island (gee I wonder why). And they're really sensitive. Anyway, I'm here to stay, for a while anyway. And I smile and welcome everyone and try to be good island representative and try to pretend like this place isn't going to

I've chosen to make my home on Guam for personal reasons, but this is the worst place I've ever lived. I've been to many islands, and most island people are welcoming, friendly, and charming. This place is almost hostile. No concept of hospitality, and the worst waiters and service people I've ever encountered in my life. Try taking care of business at the department of revenue and taxation - you may need a drink or a shoulder to cry on afterward.

Everything costs double, not just because goods have to be imported, but because local business have monopolies on certain industries and charge as much as they ca. When first apartment hunting, I was shown $1,500-$2,000 per month apartments so run-down and nasty that I've seen better section 8 housing stateside. This is because all property owners automatically set their base rents at military housing allowance, which is a ridiculously high $1,700. Try renting a decent (one that isn't filthy and will not get broken into) apartment on a regular salary - yeah, not gonna happen. Oh, and if you like air-conditioning (who doesn't when it's 90 degrees outside 90% of the year?), prepare to pay $400 or more per month for a single family home.

I've lived in big, major metropolitan areas, cities people associate with crime. I had never been robbed - until I got to Guam. I was robbed on Guam twice in two years. And when I say robbed, I mean "inside jobs." Staff at the hotel and apartment where I stayed had access to my rooms (duh, they're staff). One day, after a short stay off island, I came home to find everything gone - even my freaking tennis shoes. When the cops came, I pointed out empty beer cans that weren't mine (yeah, the thieves made themselves right at home). Perhaps they should take them for prints....they LAUGHED. The police LAUGHED AT ME because GUAM HAS NO FINGERPRINT DATABASE OR FORENSIC LAB OF ANY KIND.

People still abuse/ignore stray animals and enjoy cock-fighting here. The island's only pound is disgusting and in disrepair (have you been to the SPCA on Oahu? It's like a hotel). Guam's situation with animals is 40 years or more behind most developed nations.

If you get sick on Guam, you are screwed. Basically, if you go into Guam Memorial Hospital for an emergency, chances are you won't come out alive. The GMH emergency room entrance looks like a triage unit for an army doing ground warfare in the middle east. The parking lot is packed 24/7 (when I say "packed" I mean, cars have to park all the way down the street and into a residential area). Why? Because people who have no money or insurance use it as a clinic - because they know they can't be turned away. That's right - they just don't give a damn. They don't care that people with real emergencies may suffer because they caught a cold and don't want to pay for the treatment. Oh, did I mention the hospital is not approved by stateside medical organizations? And that some of its former directors have been accused/convicted of theft and selling prescriptions?

And based on news of late, it looks like our next governor will either be a nepotistic thief of a murdering thief. No, I am not speaking in metaphors - the locals will know what I'm talking about.

Most locals will start getting a rope ready to hang you if you spoke of any of this (elephant in living room stuff) in public. It's because most have never lived any where else for an extend period of time, although more Chamorros live off island than on island (gee I wonder why). And they're really sensitive.

OMGLOL wrote:

I've chosen to make my home on Guam for personal reasons, but this is the worst place I've ever lived. I've been to many islands, and most island people are welcoming, friendly, and charming. This place is almost hostile. No concept of hospitality, and the worst waiters and service people I've ever encountered in my life. Try taking care of business at the department of revenue and taxation - you may need a drink or a shoulder to cry on afterward.
Everything costs double, not just because goods have to be imported, but because local business have monopolies on certain industries and charge as much as they ca. When first apartment hunting, I was shown $1,500-$2,000 per month apartments so run-down and nasty that I've seen better section 8 housing stateside. This is because all property owners automatically set their base rents at military housing allowance, which is a ridiculously high $1,700. Try renting a decent (one that isn't filthy and will not get broken into) apartment on a regular salary - yeah, not gonna happen. Oh, and if you like air-conditioning (who doesn't when it's 90 degrees outside 90% of the year?), prepare to pay $400 or more per month for a single family home.
I've lived in big, major metropolitan areas, cities people associate with crime. I had never been robbed - until I got to Guam. I was robbed on Guam twice in two years. And when I say robbed, I mean "inside jobs." Staff at the hotel and apartment where I stayed had access to my rooms (duh, they're staff). One day, after a short stay off island, I came home to find everything gone - even my freaking tennis shoes. When the cops came, I pointed out empty beer cans that weren't mine (yeah, the thieves made themselves right at home). Perhaps they should take them for prints....they LAUGHED. The police LAUGHED AT ME because GUAM HAS NO FINGERPRINT DATABASE OR FORENSIC LAB OF ANY KIND.
People still abuse/ignore stray animals and enjoy cock-fighting here. The island's only pound is disgusting and in disrepair (have you been to the SPCA on Oahu? It's like a hotel). Guam's situation with animals is 40 years or more behind most developed nations.
If you get sick on Guam, you are screwed. Basically, if you go into Guam Memorial Hospital for an emergency, chances are you won't come out alive. The GMH emergency room entrance looks like a triage unit for an army doing ground warfare in the middle east. The parking lot is packed 24/7 (when I say "packed" I mean, cars have to park all the way down the street and into a residential area). Why? Because people who have no money or insurance use it as a clinic - because they know they can't be turned away. That's right - they just don't give a damn. They don't care that people with real emergencies may suffer because they caught a cold and don't want to pay for the treatment. Oh, did I mention the hospital is not approved by stateside medical organizations? And that some of its former directors have been accused/convicted of theft and selling prescriptions?
And based on news of late, it looks like our next governor will either be a nepotistic thief of a murdering thief. No, I am not speaking in metaphors - the locals will know what I'm talking about.
Most locals will start getting a rope ready to hang you if you spoke of any of this (elephant in living room stuff) in public. It's because most have never lived any where else for an extend period of time, although more Chamorros live off island than on island (gee I wonder why). And they're really sensitive.

Thank you so very much!!!

You affirm what a prior military guy on guam told me. He was stationed there for 3 years.

continued

The nice weather appeals to me and the close proxity to the Philippines for my wife but everything else has come out a negative...not only from you....but your testimony is powerful!

We have made the decision that we will never ever move to Guam.

We perhaps will visit someday...perhaps.

The answer to the question is yes, Guam does suck!

Good luck though per your time there and I hope you don't get victimized any more than you already have. I know from life experiences that we sometimes have to be in places that are not so nice.

I'm glad I could help. I both love and hate Guam. We have good hiking and a nice bar scene and it's easy to open a small business here. I wish, however, that it was a better, safer, cheaper place to live, but the politics and nepotism always win and in the end, the people suffer.

I'm sure I'll get hate posts for my candor, but I speak the truth. Any local that will deny what I write is either blinded by pride, the beneficiary of a relative in politics, or is just in denial.

Good luck! I highly recommend Hawaii.

Hafa adai.

im sorry that i have to diagree with most of your comments. i have lived on guam my whole entire life..to go with that "thayve never lived anywhere else for extended periods of time."i have been in other places. most the reason is we love it there.yes there are issues but they are not as bad as you make them.guam may not be ALL up to date on some things..but what do you expect?guam is a tiny islandand is far away from things. we are very hospitable,as a majority but i do agree that there are quite a few rude people.and no....thats soooo not true that all places run for that much and have dirt like qualities...the only places youll find those is if you dont look right.we have many many many many great places to live. it makes me sad to know that you cant enjoy those good qualities like i have.you just have to find the right people. regardless of what anyone says....guam has many traditions still carried on...and the economy is wayyyy better than a few years ago.there are BEAUTIFUL beaches..and no they arent polluted...but sometimes they do get polluted...my whole point is dont make it seem like its the worst place to live in the world because personally i know there are worse places.if you dont like it please tell my is it you still live here. trhe school systems are alright..they arent the best but have good qualities.like they said it depends on where you live and the people around you...my best tip take a vacay there and decide for yourself!
adios!i hope you take this into consideration from someone who was born and raised there...and no my opinions are not biase..oh and guam has a high filipino ethnic group!and your power bill can NEVER be that high..neither can water. and hospital issues...yes its not the best but you most certainly will not die. they try theyre best you want more?go somewhere else.
once again adios,i hope you find the right decuision based upon your trip..and please do some research!

guam doesnt suck....you guys have to learn first hand for yourself...that military friend i know where hes coming from but geeze you people.no i am not blinded by pride..its just not as bad as you make it. you need to understand that we hvae strived to keep ourselves and traditions alive...its not easy when someones gonna say how sucky of a job the people are odoing or what not.im preety sure if i wrote this same question about where your from youd try to explain that its never that bad..
guam is bad but its not that bad.i want you all to understand that.all im saying is you need to find the real beauty and real chamorros and youll see the real guam.not the guam infested with tourists and foreign people. hear me out.
adios.

true chamorro wrote:

guam doesnt suck....you guys have to learn first hand for yourself...that military friend i know where hes coming from but geeze you people.no i am not blinded by pride..its just not as bad as you make it. you need to understand that we hvae strived to keep ourselves and traditions alive...its not easy when someones gonna say how sucky of a job the people are odoing or what not.im preety sure if i wrote this same question about where your from youd try to explain that its never that bad..
guam is bad but its not that bad.i want you all to understand that.all im saying is you need to find the real beauty and real chamorros and youll see the real guam.not the guam infested with tourists and foreign people. hear me out.
adios.

ok, thanks much!

From True chamorro

"...and the economy is wayyyy better than a few years ago." really dang how bad was it ... cause it sucks now

"and your power bill can NEVER be that high" i guess u havent recieved a power bill lately from GPA....

Guam has its good and bad.... the most people are nice ... really nice.. but thats the older people the younger ones welll.... "ice" or meth is really high on this island ...

The police are corrupt and think they own the island...

the politics are the same

and getting hired for a job is not what u know but who you know

some beaches are polluted but not all...

i've only been robbed once.. so thats not bad right?

you make your choice

Totally understood... It is still a nice place, but it could be worse... We need to let them know... Pacific Daily News, KUAM all do not have the guts to do it as they are located in Guam... I am trying to find a blog that will STOP landfill nearby school, amazon and most of all... to have the government to condem without consent of landowners... Presently, it is like a socialistic or worth...

Can you HELP to prevent Guam, Amazon of Pacific Island (Territory of the U.S.) is becoming a Hazardous Waste Dump – Landfill with NO consent of landowners... I WAS THERE RECENTLY!!! THEY CHOSE AMAZON OF GUAM, WHERE WIND ENERGY IS #1, ENDANGERED SPICES ARE AND MOREOVER... WHERE NATURAL WATERFALL, SCHOOL BEHIND AND IN ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS AND POPULAR TOURIST (GUAM'S MAJORITY INCOME SOURCE) SITE!!!!

Many of us do not realize U.S. Territory of Guam is a beautiful tropical paradise soon to be home of U.S. Military relocating from Okinawa, Japan in 2010 also known as Amazon of the Pacific.

The Government of Guam is proceeding with a condemnation** to take this natural jungle, Dandan, accessing through its natural Talofofo Water Falls, once was a home to Japanese WWII veteran Mr. Yokoi for 23+ years Amazon into a dumpster – landfill behind a school - WHERE CHILDREN ATTEND SCHOOL...

GUAM is dependent on Tourism... the site is one of THE most famous and popular tourism site... where they found Mr. Yokoi... lived in this jungle for over 23 years after WWII... Until he was found...

THIS IS SIGNIFICANT... great place for renewable energy!!!! and NOT a DUMP!!! PLEASE HELP!!!

Is it all necessary? Government of Guam is acting with pressure by Federal Government to create a landfill, but why Dandan? Behind a local school!!!! Not only affecting the famous Pacific’s natural Waterfall (Talofofo), water creeks, vegetations and many extinguishing animals (?)– but converting it into a landfill – potential damage to the environment and handling of hazardous waste – contamination of the landfill.

Protesting to use as landfill – potential contamination of greens and water… rather the land should be used as a resort including senior housing, renewable energy R&D or much more that can contribute to the Earth and Green (include Green Energy) than a DUMP!

** Note: Guam Statue has not been challenged for many decades unlike in Mainland. Government of Guam can just select a random place – deposit money and start condemnation work… YES, with NO CONSENT of owners, neighbors and much more.

Ryan wrote:

I'm interested in moving to Guam per nice weather, closer to Philippines, etc but am hearing lots of bad things like:
polluted unsafe beaches--really sucks if true
cause nice beaches would seem to be a major attraction
lots of crime and you need bars on your house windows, etc
Terrible public schools
Terrible hospital
lots of stray dogs
people just dump stuff like refrigerators, etc
Terribly Nepotism per getting jobs, etc
Terrible drug problems
Is this stuff true?
We live in Oregon. Being on Guam however would put my Filipino wife much closer to her family in the PI. I think I could get some kind of government job on Guam. Nice weather attracts me.
Thanks much!

My suggestions...
Get people to MOVE... many are afraid... but...
don't be. My god father was a Chamorro...(he passed away)... I am fighting for Guam to preserve its tourist, nature, health and best interest of people and NOT those who wishes to dump the beautiful island...

JRoss wrote:

From True chamorro
"...and the economy is wayyyy better than a few years ago." really dang how bad was it ... cause it sucks now
"and your power bill can NEVER be that high" i guess u havent recieved a power bill lately from GPA....
Guam has its good and bad.... the most people are nice ... really nice.. but thats the older people the younger ones welll.... "ice" or meth is really high on this island ...
The police are corrupt and think they own the island...
the politics are the same
and getting hired for a job is not what u know but who you know
some beaches are polluted but not all...
i've only been robbed once.. so thats not bad right?
you make your choice