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Considering a move to Guam? Across Guam’s 19 villages, you’ll find plenty of options for establishing a home base. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve put together our list of the top 10 best places to live on Guam. We’ll give you a good sense of each one, including location, population, and overall character, so you can pick the right area for you—and start your time on Guam right!
First, let’s do a brief overview so you can get a sense of the lay of the land.
The Villages of Guam
The island of Guam is divided into 19 villages. Each village has its own unique characteristics, as well as its own mayor and Catholic Church.
- Agaña Heights (Tutuhan)
- Asan-Maina (Assan-Ma’ina)
- Barrigada (Barigada)
- Chalan Pago-Ordot (Chalan Pagu-Otdot)
- Dededo (Dededu)
- Hagat (formerly Agat)
- Hagatña
- Humatak (formerly Umatac)
- Inalahan
- Malesso’ (formerly Merizo)
- Mangilao
- Mongmong-Toto-Maite (Mongmong-To’to-Maite’)
- Piti
- Santa Rita-Sumai (formerly Santa Rita)
- Sinajana (Sinahanña)
- Talo’fo’fo (formerly Talofofo)
- Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon (Tamuneng-Tomhom)
- Yigo (Yigu)
- Yona (Yo’ña)
The custom of living in villages dates back to Guam’s original inhabitants, the Chamorro (CHamoru) people. According to a map of Guam created in the 1700s, the Chamorro also organized themselves into villages. Under Spanish rule, residents were required to move into one of six villages around the island. After Guam passed into U.S. hands, the island was reorganized and residents resettled.
Today, the majority of Guam’s population lives in four villages: Dededo, Yigo, Tamuning, and Mangilao.
Most Populated Villages on Guam
- 44,908 – Dededo
- 19,339 – Yigo
- 18,489 – Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon
- 13,476 – Mangilao
Although these are the most popular villages, they’re by no means the only options. Let’s take a look at our list of the ten best places to live on Guam, so you can find the right spot for you.
Living in Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon / Tamuneng-Tomhom
Central – Location
18,489 – Population
Bustling & Convenient – The Bottom Line
Living in Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon means you’re close to everything—stores, restaurants, bars, beaches, and even the airport. It’s a very convenient place to live, and you won’t have to spend a ton of time in your car running errands. Because a number of the island’s hotels are located along Tumon Bay, the area can feel a little touristy or even a bit busy. However, if you like to be right in the center of things, Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon might be perfect for you.
Living in Dededo / Dededu
North – Location
44,908 – Population
Popular for a Reason – The Bottom Line
Living in the most populated village on the island has its perks. You’ll be right near the Micronesia Mall, as well as the Dededo Flea Market, a great place to shop for locally grown produce. Additionally, Dededo has some affordable property options—some of the most budget-friendly on Guam. You’ll also be close to Guam’s picturesque northwestern beaches, including Shark Cove, as well as the Ritidian Unit of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge (Puntan Litekyan to the native Chamorro people). Whenever you need a taste of peace and quiet in Dededo, you’ve got options.
Living in Barrigada / Barigada
Central – Location
7,956 – Population
Quieter but Still Convenient – The Bottom Line
This village’s central location and proximity to several major roads make Barrigada an easy and convenient place to live, no matter where you work on Guam. Barrigada is largely a residential village. You’ll find several high-end homes clustered in Barrigada Heights, where the median listing price is $680,000. If you’re looking for something a little quieter than busy Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon that’s not too far off the beaten path, check out Barrigada.
Living in Agaña Heights / Tutuhan
Central – Location
3,673 – Population
Residential Living with a View – The Bottom Line
Like Barrigada, Agaña Heights is mostly residential, and it also happens to be the village where you’ll find the Governor’s Palace, the home of the Governor of Guam. Even though you’ll enjoy a largely quiet existence in Agaña Heights, the village’s central location makes it a convenient place to live, with plenty of stores and shops nearby. Its higher elevation also means the possibility of enjoying a stunning view without leaving home.
Living in Hagat (Formerly Agat)
Southwest – Location
4,515 – Population
Embrace a Slower Pace – The Bottom Line
In 2021, the village of Hagat was officially returned to its traditional CHamoru name, along with four other villages. In contrast to the busier villages in central Guam, Hagat is known for its slower pace of living and its natural beauty, especially along the coastline. The biggest disadvantage to living in Hagat, though, can be the commute. If your office is located in central Guam, you may find yourself spending a fair amount of time in your car. The same is true for running errands. However, if a serene, tranquil lifestyle is your priority, Hagat may be worth the drive.
Living in Talo’fo’fo (Formerly Talofofo)
Southeast – Location
3,550 – Population
Peace, Quiet & the Great Outdoors – The Bottom Line
Like Hagat, living in Talo’fo’fo offers you a respite from the activity you’ll find in Guam’s central, commercial areas. In fact, former Mayor Tito Mantanona once christened this village “God’s country.” Residents relish the placid setting Talo’fo’fo offers. If you’re looking for a place with plenty of outdoor activities nearby—boonie stomping, swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, and even golf—Talo’fo’fo delivers.
Living in Sinajana / Sinahanña
Central – Location
2,611 – Population
Perfect for Families – The Bottom Line
Situated on the top of a hill overlooking Hagatña, Sinajana has a quiet, residential feel. Families often find themselves drawn to the village for its walkable streets and the popular facilities at the Sinajana Community Center. The village’s central location means easy access to amenities and a quick commute to many workplaces. If you’re moving to Guam with the whole family, check out Sinajana.
Living in Mangilao
Central – Location
13,476 – Population
Diversity & Community Spirit – The Bottom Line
In Mangilao, you’ll find both the University of Guam and Guam Community College. These institutions bring a lot of diversity to the neighborhood, as well as a lot of conveniences. Most visitors to Mangilao comment on the murals lining the sides of Route 10, which point to the deep community spirit in the village. The village also offers plenty of options for outdoor activities, with coastal trails that lead to freshwater caves, beautiful white sand beaches, and the Onward Mangilao Golf Club.
Living in Piti
Western-Central – Location
1,585 – Population
The Perks of Coastal Living – The Bottom Line
Although some might know Piti as the village they pass through on their way somewhere else, it deserves a closer look. Many of the homes in this tranquil community offer coastal views. When you want to enjoy Guam’s gorgeous waters, Tepungan Beach Park and the famous Piti Bomb Holes are nearby. Although the name might sound intimidating, these “bomb holes” are actually natural recesses in the coral reef that act as homes for colorful tropical fish and other marine creatures. The snorkelers in your family will love exploring this marine preserve right at your doorstep. Finally, this close-knit community is the kind that looks out for each other, so you’ll likely get to know your neighbors quickly.
Bonus: If you’re living in Piti and working at Naval Base Guam or the U.S. Naval Hospital, you’re looking at a short and simple commute.
Living in Santa Rita-Sumai (Formerly Santa Rita)
Southwest – Location
6,470 – Population
Serenity at Its Best – The Bottom Line
Just south of Piti, you’ll find the village of Santa Rita. As the home of Naval Base Guam, you’ll find a lot of military housing in the area. If you’re in the military or part of a military family, this can mean significant conveniences and resources for you, right in your backyard. All in all, though, Santa Rita offers a quiet, peaceful way of life for those who call it home.
Finding Your Perfect Home on Guam
The island of Guam has a ton to offer: a diverse, vibrant culture; beautiful beaches; delicious traditional food; and plenty of fun activities to keep you as busy as you want to be. Once you pick out the right neighborhood and the perfect home within it, you’ll be ready to settle into life on this beautiful tropical island.
Need some help getting your belongings to Guam? We’d be happy to help you make a safe, easy, and affordable move to the island. Just reach out to our team for a complimentary quote to get started.
(And feel free to ask us about our favorite neighborhoods on Guam! We’d be happy to talk to you about island life.)
