Most military families arriving at Guam will rent — at least initially. Whether you're on a short tour, waiting on on-base housing, or simply want to get settled before deciding whether to buy, the rental market here has solid options across all price points.
The key is knowing which neighborhoods are genuinely military-friendly — not just geographically convenient, but where landlords understand military leases, where the properties are built to last through typhoon season, and where your OHA actually goes far enough to live comfortably.
Every rental lease on Guam should include a military clause allowing you to break the lease without penalty if you receive PCS orders, deploy, or are involuntarily separated. I review every lease for my clients and make sure this is in writing before you sign.
The Top 5 Rental Neighborhoods
1. Yigo — North Guam
Best for Andersen AFBYigo is the top choice for Andersen AFB families who want the shortest off-base commute. You'll find a healthy mix of standalone homes and apartment complexes, many with concrete construction and backup generators — standard for Guam's typhoon-prone north.
Landlords in Yigo are well-accustomed to military tenants and typically have experience writing military clauses into leases. The OHA rates for most grades align well with the local rental market here.
2. Dededo — North Guam
Best Selection Island-WideIf you want options, Dededo delivers. It's Guam's most populated village and has the largest inventory of rental properties at any given time. Junior enlisted to senior officers — there's something for every grade and family size.
Micronesia Mall, multiple grocery stores, and Guam's main commercial corridor are all within easy reach. Commute to Andersen is 15–20 minutes depending on your specific location within Dededo.
3. Tamuning — Central Guam
Best Amenity AccessTamuning is Guam's amenity hub — closest to the best dining, GPO Mall, hospitals, and the Tumon Bay corridor. The trade-off is a longer commute to any of the bases and a higher price point, especially for condos with pools and modern finishes.
Ideal for senior NCOs and officers, dual-military couples at different installations, and anyone who prioritizes lifestyle amenities alongside their military assignment.
4. Barrigada — Central Guam
Best Value Mid-IslandBarrigada sits at the geographic heart of Guam and offers solid value with reasonable commutes to any installation. It's a quieter, more residential feel than Tamuning or Dededo, with a good mix of standalone homes and condominiums.
Families who want a neighborhood feel without being locked into either the north or south of the island often land here — and they're rarely disappointed.
5. Santa Rita — South Guam
Best for Naval Base GuamNavy and Coast Guard families at Naval Base Guam should look seriously at Santa Rita and surrounding south Guam villages. Commutes to NBG are excellent, and the area offers some of Guam's most scenically situated homes — hillside views, ocean proximity, and a slower pace of life.
This is Guam at its most relaxed. Grocery runs require more planning than north-central Guam, but for the right family, the lifestyle is well worth the trade-off.
What to Look for in a Guam Rental Lease
| Lease Term | Why It Matters for Military Tenants |
|---|---|
| Military Clause | Allows lease termination on PCS, deployment, or involuntary separation — non-negotiable |
| Generator | Essential in typhoon season — confirm if unit has its own or building-wide backup power |
| Storm Shutters | Required for typhoon preparation — confirm they are present and functional |
| Utilities | Clarify what's included — Guam Power Authority bills can be significant in the tropics |
| Pets | If you're shipping pets from CONUS, confirm pet policy and any deposits upfront |
| Lease Length | Match your tour length — most Guam landlords accept 12–24 month terms |
Guam's typhoon season runs June through November. Concrete construction, storm shutters, and backup generators aren't luxury add-ons — they're practical necessities. I flag every property's typhoon readiness during our search.
Let Me Find Your Rental
Tell me your base, grade, family size, and move-in timeline — I'll pull current listings that fit your OHA and schedule virtual tours so you can decide before you land.