DJ,
I lived with my family on Guam the last year, and now split my time between there and the States. Violent crime seems to be on the rise, but still relatively low.

My wife spent time by herself on island with my kids, but you have to take certain precautions, as petty crime is very common. For example, I had a prescription stolen from my car.

As for the cost of living it's outrageous: gas is $5/gallon, milk is $10/gallon, eggs fluctuate from 90 cents to more than a $1 each, meat in the store is similar in price to what you'd pay in a restaurant in the States. We had a 2 bedroom apartment, and it was a struggle to keep the electricity bill to $300 a month. Anything any bigger, and your bill will start at $500, and as noted, it isn't always reliable, especially in the summer. Water was $60-70 a month, but we had a dishwasher, which "only the rich" on Guam have.

Guam is often called the island of misfit toys, and for good reason. I love it, and hope to eventually move back for good, but it is NOT for everyone. You are completely removed from everything you are used to.