Guam Andersen AFB PCS Guide: Housing, Schools & Island Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Guam hosts 6,000+ military personnel (Andersen AFB + Naval Base Guam) as the US Pacific strategic hub. As a US territory 3,800 miles west of Hawaii, it offers tropical island living, Asia travel, and beach lifestyle—but EXPENSIVE (rent $1,800-2,500/month), typhoon season (May-Nov = 2-4 direct hits/year), cultural isolation (13x26 mile island), and remote location (14+ hours to US mainland).

Key Numbers:

OHA vs. Rent: Tight fit (Guam rent $1,800-2,500/month, OHA covers but expensive)
Median 3BR Rent: $2,100/month (Guam is EXPENSIVE - island premium)
School Quality: Good (DoDEA schools 7-8/10, small island community)
Deployment Tempo: MODERATE (strategic hub = stable ops + occasional rotations)

What This Guide Covers: Tropical island reality, typhoon season, isolation challenges, and Pacific paradise lifestyle.

Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

Official Name: Andersen Air Force Base + Naval Base Guam
Location: Yigo, Guam (US territory, 3,800 miles west of Hawaii)
Size: Andersen AFB 20,000 acres, Naval Base 6,000 acres
Population: 6,000+ military (3,000 active duty + 3,000 family/civilians)
Branch: Joint (Air Force, Navy)
Major Units: 36th Wing (Andersen AFB), Commander Naval Forces Marianas
Mission: Pacific strategic hub, bomber rotations, submarine ops
Climate: Tropical (warm year-round 75-90°F, humid 80%, typhoons May-Nov)
Nearest City: Hagatna (capital, 15 miles south), Honolulu 3,800 miles (7 hour flight)

Want official data? Check DTMO OHA Calculator for current overseas housing rates and DoDEA Schools for school information.

Housing & OHA

No BAH at Guam - You Get OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance)

OHA covers actual rent + utilities. Check official DTMO OHA Calculator → (updated monthly with dollar-to-yen exchange).

Rent Ceiling: Reimburses actual rent up to the Guam (GU001) ceiling for your rank/dependent status.
Utility/Recurring Maintenance Allowance: Flat monthly dollars added to OHA for electric, water, trash, propane. Track annual true-up bills—Guam Power Authority charges higher rates during peak season.
MIHA (Move-In Housing Allowance): One-time payment that covers key money, agent fees, appliances, screen doors, typhoon shutters. Housing Office submits after your lease is approved.
Lease Approval: Guam Housing Office MUST stamp every lease; no approval = no OHA.

Reality Check: OHA BARELY covers Guam rent—$1,800-2,500/month (Guam Association of REALTORS® 2024 median) with utilities $200-350/month. A/C and dehumidifiers run nonstop to prevent mold, so electric bills spike. Budget $300-500/month out of pocket for furnishings, fuel, and island pricing.

Housing Neighborhoods

Top Off-Base Areas (Ranked)

1. Yigo / Dededo (North)

Distance: 5-10 miles north of Andersen (15-20 min via Route 1)
Median 3BR Rent: $2,000-2,500/month (new concrete homes with typhoon shutters)
Schools: Andersen Elementary (K-5) on base, McCool Elementary/Middle 25 min south (school bus)
Why Families Choose It: Closest commute, largest population center (Dededo 45K residents), Americanized services (Cost-U-Less, Home Depot, restaurants).
Watch Outs: Traffic on Route 1 during shift change, older homes need dehumidifiers, limited sidewalks.

2. Tamuning / Tumon (Central Resort Corridor)

Distance: 15 miles south (25-30 min via Route 1)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,800-2,300/month (condos + townhomes)
Schools: Guerrero Elementary (Guam DOE), DoDEA bus to McCool ES/MS and Guam High
Why Families Choose It: Beachfront lifestyle, Guam Premier Outlets, restaurants, quicker access to Naval Base Guam (30 min).
Watch Outs: Tourist pricing, parking fees, nightlife noise near Tumon Bay.

3. Mangilao / Barrigada (Central Villages)

Distance: 20 miles (35 min north-south commute)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,900-2,400/month
Schools: Adequate Elementary (Guam DOE), DoDEA bus routes to Andersen/Guam High
Why Families Choose It: Central island location (split commute for dual-military Andersen + Naval Base), newer gated communities, closer to University of Guam and Guam Regional Medical City.
Watch Outs: Longer drive to Andersen (30-35 min), narrow neighborhood roads.

4. Santa Rita / Piti (Southwest - Naval Base)

Distance: 35 miles (45-50 min) from Andersen, 5-10 min to Naval Base Guam
Median 3BR Rent: $1,700-2,200/month
Schools: McCool Elementary/Middle on base, Guam High (15 min north in Agana Heights)
Why Families Choose It: Dual-military households split between Andersen (Air Force) and Naval Base (Navy), calmer villages, ocean views.
Watch Outs: Longest commute to Andersen (45+ min), high humidity/mold risk near jungle shoreline.

5. Hagatna / Agana Heights (Capital District)

Distance: 25 miles (35 min)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,900-2,400/month (historic homes + renovated condos)
Schools: Guam High School (6-12) sits in Agana Heights, DoDEA elementary bus service
Why Families Choose It: Government center, cafés, Guam Museum, central to island events, faster access to Naval Hospital.
Watch Outs: Older construction (pre-typhoon building codes), limited parking, steep hills.

On-Base Housing

Andersen/Naval Base Housing:

Units: 1,500+ combined
Wait Times: 6-18 months
Housing Areas: Andersen (North Tip, Paradise Grove, Fairchild) + Naval Base (Lockwood Terrace, Sasa Valley, Apra View)
Reality: On-base highly desired (typhoon-rated concrete, backup generators, playgrounds, walk/bike to work). Expect 6-18 month waitlists—submit application as soon as orders drop. Many families start off-base then move on-base when a unit opens.

Schools

DoDEA Schools (Primary Choice)

1. Andersen Elementary School (AES)

Grades K-5, on Andersen Air Force Base
700 students, AdvancED accredited, STEAM focus, parent volunteer network
Before/after-school care through School Age Care (SAC)

2. Commander William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School

Grades K-8, located on Naval Base Guam (30 min south)
900 students, dual language cultural enrichment, DoDEA Pacific athletic programs

3. Guam High School (GHS)

Grades 9-12, Agana Heights (central island)
800 students, AP and dual-enrollment with University of Guam, JROTC (Navy)

Registration Checklist:

Orders (PCS + amendments)
Immunizations (Guam requires up-to-date TB testing)
Housing or lease documentation (on-base or off-base)
Fill packets online via DoDEA Registration →
Request school bus routes—DoDEA buses serve entire island with pick-up points in every village.

Child Development & Teen Programs

Child Development Center (CDC): Full-day care ages 6 weeks-5 years (Andersen & Naval Base). Waitlist 6-9 months—submit DD Form 2606 immediately.
Family Child Care (FCC): Certified homes on Andersen for infants/toddlers when CDC waitlist is long.
Youth/Teen Center: After-school programs, STEM labs, sports leagues, and Pacific field trips (Andersen Youth Programs).

Local Guam DOE Schools (For Cultural Immersion)

Adequate Elementary (Mangilao), Untalan Middle (Barrigada), Simon Sanchez High (Yigo)
Reality: Ranges 4-6/10 on GreatSchools; larger class sizes, limited funding. Consider only if you want full cultural immersion and are prepared to supplement academics.

Local Intel

Spouse Employment & Family Life

Top Employers: Andersen AFB (NAF & GS positions), Naval Base Guam, Guam Memorial Hospital, Guam Regional Medical City, tourism sector (hotels, restaurants), University of Guam.
Career Reality: Guam economy leans tourism + government. GS/NAF roles fill fast (USAJOBS + Navy NAF). Remote work is popular—ensure your employer supports Pacific time zone.
Licensure: Guam Board of Allied Health & Guam Professional Licensing Board accept most mainland licenses but processing takes 6-8 weeks. Teachers require Guam DOE certification; nurses apply through Guam Board of Nurse Examiners.
Networking: Andersen Spouses’ Club, Naval Base Guam Spouses, Military OneSource career center (resume labs monthly). LinkedIn remote roles + FlexJobs recommended.
Childcare: CDC waitlists 6-9 months; plan for interim FCC or vetted local sitters. Home helpers (nannies) common ($10-15/hour) but verify base access.
Family Activities: Tarague Beach, Ritidian Point, Guam Museum, Guam Zoo, MWR scuba courses, Pacific island hopping (Palau, Saipan, Yap).

Cost of Living

Overall: 30-40% HIGHER vs. US (island premium = EVERYTHING imported)
Housing: OHA covers but BARELY ($1,800-2,500 = no surplus)
Groceries: Commissary saves 50% vs local (island import costs HUGE)
Monthly Budget (E5 + 2 Kids): $4,500-5,500

COLA: E5 with dependents = ~$600-900/month (Jan 2025 DTMO COLA table). Helps but Guam VERY expensive—expect to break even. Recheck your exact rate at the DTMO COLA Calculator →.

Typhoon Season (CRITICAL)

May-Nov = Typhoon Season:

2-4 direct hits per year (more than Okinawa)
Category 4-5 typhoons common (150+ mph winds)
Stock 7-14 day kit (power outages can last 1-2 weeks)

Reality: Typhoons are SERIOUS—Guam gets hit MORE than Okinawa. Stock food, water, batteries year-round.

Healthcare & Emergency Care

Naval Hospital Guam (Agana Heights): Full-service inpatient care, labor & delivery, Level II ER. 35 min from Andersen.
Andersen Clinic: Primary care, pharmacy, labs, flight medicine. No ER—after hours go to Naval Hospital.
Civilian Care: Guam Regional Medical City (Dededo) + Guam Memorial Hospital (Tamuning) accept TRICARE Overseas; call International SOS for referrals.
Mental Health: Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC) on both bases, Military OneSource telehealth, Guam Behavioral Health & Wellness Center (civilian).
Emergency Prep: Keep typhoon shutters, water (1 gallon/person/day for 14 days), fuel, and generator if possible.

Transportation & Driving Reality

Vehicles: Ship current POV (45-60 day transit) or buy local (limited inventory, higher prices). Check rust/typhoon damage carefully.
Roads: Route 1 (Marine Corps Drive) is main artery—expect heavy rain, potholes, and sudden flooding.
Licensing: Guam honors stateside license; convert at DMV within 30 days. Motorcycle endorsement required for scooters >50cc.
Public Transit: Limited (Guam Mass Transit buses hourly). Most families rely on POV. Ride-share (Uber, local apps) limited after 2200.
Commute Tips: Leave 15 min buffer for sudden squalls, downed palms, or stray dogs on Route 15.

Utilities & Services

Electric: Guam Power Authority (GPA) average $0.34/kWh (2024). Expect $250-350/month with A/C running.
Water: Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) $60-90/month; boil water advisory after typhoons until notified.
Internet: Docomo Pacific, GTA Fiber (northern villages). Plans $110-150/month (200-500 Mbps). Install lead time 2-3 weeks—order before arrival.
Trash: Included in rent on-base; off-base uses private haulers ($30-40/month). Recycling limited.
Mold Mitigation: Budget for dehumidifiers ($200 each) and DampRid ($10/month). Run A/C + fans daily.

Commissary, Shopping & Dining

Andersen Commissary: Best for staples—shipments arrive weekly; shop Tuesday/Wednesday to beat crowds.
Naval Base Exchange / Commissary: Larger selection (fresh produce, bakery). Plan monthly stock-up trips.
Local Markets: Pay-Less Supermarket, Cost-U-Less (bulk), Micronesia Mall, Guam Premier Outlets (Ross, Nike, Levi’s).
Dining: Must-try Chamorro BBQ, kelaguen, shaved ice at I Love Guam, food trucks at Chamorro Village (Wednesday Night Market).

Cultural Integration

Chamorro Culture: Respect inafa’maolek (“make things good”). Learn greetings: “Håfa Adai” (hello), “Si Yu’os Ma’åse’” (thank you).
Sundays: Family day—many businesses closed. Plan errands Saturday.
Island Time: Service slower; plan buffer time and stay patient.
Community: Volunteer at Liberation Day parade, Fiestas, and reef clean-ups to build local relationships.

Recreation & Travel

Beaches: Tarague Beach (Andersen controlled access), Ritidian Point (US Fish & Wildlife), Tumon Bay (snorkeling), Gab Gab Beach (Naval Base).
Outdoor: Scuba (Blue Hole, Shark Pit), jungle hikes (Sigua Falls), deep-sea fishing charters.
Travel Deals: United, Jeju Air, Philippine Airlines fly direct; USO + ITT offer island-hopping packages (Palau, Saipan, Yap).
MWR Rentals: Kayaks, paddleboards, camping gear, generators, typhoon shutters.

Island Isolation

13x26 Mile Island:

Nowhere to "escape" (can drive entire island in 2 hours)
14+ hours to US mainland ($1,500-2,500 tickets)
Reality: Island fever is REAL—some families love it, some hate it. Good for beach lovers, tough for those who need variety.

Asia Travel

Pacific Hub:

Philippines: 3 hours ($200-300)
Japan: 3 hours ($300-400)
South Korea: 4 hours ($300-400)
Thailand: 6 hours ($400-600)

Mission Tempo

Strategic Hub = MODERATE:

Bomber rotations, submarine ops
Reality: More stable than fighter wings (strategic vs. combat ops)

What's It Like at Guam?

Pros:

✅ Tropical paradise (beaches, diving, snorkeling, year-round warm)
✅ US territory (no passport needed, use USD, English)
✅ Asia travel hub (Philippines 3hr, Japan 3hr)
✅ Island lifestyle (laid-back, beach culture)
✅ No state income tax (US territory = special tax status)

Cons:

❌ VERY EXPENSIVE ($1,800-2,500 rent, 30-40% higher vs. US)
❌ TYPHOON SEASON (May-Nov = 2-4 direct hits/year, 150+ mph winds)
❌ Island isolation (13x26 miles = nowhere to escape)
❌ Remote location (14+ hours to US mainland, $1,500+ tickets)
❌ Limited amenities (small island = limited shopping/dining)

Honest Assessment: Guam is best for beach lovers who embrace island isolation—tropical paradise, diving, laid-back lifestyle—but VERY expensive, typhoons, island fever, and remoteness are real. Best for adventurous families. Tough for those who need mainland proximity or variety.

Common Questions

Q: Is Guam a good assignment?
A: YES if you love island living + beaches. Tropical paradise, diving, laid-back—but VERY expensive, typhoons, isolation.

Q: Can we save money?
A: NO—Guam is 30-40% more expensive than US (island import costs). Break-even assignment.

Q: How bad are typhoons?
A: WORSE than Okinawa—2-4 direct hits/year, Category 4-5 common (150+ mph). Stock 7-14 day kit.

Q: Is island fever real?
A: YES—13x26 mile island = nowhere to "escape". Some love it (beach every day), some hate it (claustrophobic).

Q: How is medical care?
A: Naval Hospital Guam handles emergencies, births, and surgeries. Andersen Clinic manages primary care; serious issues medevac to Tripler Army Medical Center (Hawaii). Enroll with International SOS before seeking civilian specialists.

Q: Should we ship our car?
A: Yes—ship one reliable POV. Local used cars are scarce and overpriced. Ensure rust-proofing, new tires, and spare parts before shipping (45-60 days). Motorcycles must meet Guam DMV inspection standards.

Q: What about pets?
A: Guam is rabies-free—strict quarantine rules. Complete FAVN test, microchip, rabies vaccines, and quarantine application 120 days before arrival to qualify for home quarantine.

Q: Are there jobs for spouses?
A: Yes, but competition is high. Target NAF/GS billets, remote work, healthcare, education, and tourism. Use USAJOBS, Navy MWR careers, and Military OneSource SOFA entrepreneurship guidance.

Next Steps

1. Check Official OHA Rates
DTMO OHA Calculator →

2. Register DoDEA Schools
DoDEA School Registration →

3. Secure Temporary Lodging (30+ day occupancy in high PCS season)
Andersen Lodging → | Naval Base Guam Navy Gateway →

4. Start Typhoon Prep Checklist
FEMA Typhoon Checklist → | Build 14-day supply (water, shelf-stable food, batteries, generator fuel)

5. Schedule Household Goods & POV Shipment
Move.mil → | POV Ship Center (Jacksonville or Long Beach)

6. Update Medical & Dental Records
Enroll with International SOS, request EFMP screening, and transfer prescriptions to Naval Hospital Guam.

7. Build PCS Budget & Timeline
Use PCS Copilot → for allowances, DLA, and COLA planning.

8. Ask Questions Anytime
Use Ask Military Expert → for Guam-specific questions.

Official Resources

DTMO - OHA, COLA rates
DoDEA Schools - School registration
MilitaryOneSource - 24/7 support
Andersen AFB Official Site - Base information

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

Guam Andersen AFB PCS Guide - Housing & Local Intel