Anyone in Northerern Mariana Islands/Saipan area? (renting, homes)

[aux]

Possible move there with a contract and would like more info on the area.

Thanks

[mangoeater]

what would you like to know?
there are a number of websites with more or less up to date information.
also, the newspapers have websites: saipan tribune and marianas variety.

[aux]

Would be in Saipan and would like to know general cost of living, crime, economy etc. I would be renting and staying a few years. I've read about as much as I can online, would like someone who has been or lives there. Thanks

[kdb05f]

I'm interested in the same information. Especially cost of living.
I'm considering applying for a job there. It would be a pay cut but if
the cost of living is significantly lower I would be very interested.
Hope there is someone who knows a lot about life in Saipan that can post here.

[mangoeater]

cost of living- gas is 4.65, housing is cheaper than large US cities, can find apts for 300 and up to luxury homes for 2000-3000. utilities very high. local foods cheap, imported foods expensive. so some things cost more, some things less. air travel expensive, as continental has a near monopoly. delta and asiana also fly here but all are pricey.
crime- generally much less than large US city, feels very safe. no begging or homeless on the street. but for the small population seems to have large number of domestic violence. almost no violent stranger crime. however, recently two school age girls disappeared without a trace, island very shocked, this is unheard of. burglery common, related to poor economy.
economy- very bad. main industry of garment factories recently dismantled,tourism also in decline, annual govt budget 200 mil. plus ten years ago, now around 100 mil. Govt not paying its bills, imposed austerity measures such as not paying its employees. the best jobs are federal (US) which pay well and are stable. local govt jobs are a bit shaky.