Mexico Ranks #1 as the World's Best Retirement Destination

Mexico Takes Top Spot on IL's Global Retirement Index

Usually not one to gloat, I take pleasure in doing so today. That's because International Living's just-released 2007 Global Retirement Index names Mexico as the best place in the world to retire.

It's about time, I say. Since I first moved to Mexico in 2002, after spending a year in Ecuador, I have believed that there is no better place than Mexico for a retiree-especially those from the U.S. and Canada who want quick access to friends and family. (It costs no more to fly to Mexico these days than it does to fly cross-country in the States…and driving back and forth is easy, too.)

But no matter where you are from, Mexico deserves a look when planning your "golden years." I'm going to tell you more about that in a minute. My staff and I in Mexico believe this country has gotten short shrift over the years from those who write about relocating overseas (including our fellow IL editors) and it is our mission to set the record straight. Expect to hear more from us in the coming months about the benefits enjoyed by foreign expats in Mexico.

How does IL determine its rankings? IL editors compile, weigh, rank, and rate a series of criteria including cost of living, infrastructure, healthcare, safety and stability, real estate, special benefits and immigration perks, etc. They rely on outside sources for much of this data as well as on input from those of us living abroad.

The fact that Mexico is now ranked #1 is hot news. In her report on this year's Global Retirement Index, IL Editor Laura Sheridan writes: "Mexico offers the perfect mix of centuries-old traditions and contemporary lifestyles. Once you have moved to Mexico you can still have all of the amenities you grew accustomed to north of the border: cable TV, high-speed Internet, and modern home appliances. And if you prefer, when you move to Mexico you can even bring all of your favorite things with you without paying import taxes."

Laura goes on to explain how, in Mexico, your quality of life goes up but your costs go down-you can afford a maid, gardener, and other household help…and you can afford all those hobbies, like golf, scuba diving, theater, the symphony, and so on that are readily available here.

If health care is a concern, Laura writes, "you should know that in much of Mexico the health care is first rate. Private clinics and hospitals are staffed by expert physicians (many of whom trained in the U.S., Europe, or in Mexico's own world-renowned teaching hospitals), and medical care and prescription drugs will cost you only a fraction of what you would pay in the States."

And, she says, "You can also own the home of your dreams in Mexico-for much less than it would cost you most anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. The real estate market offers endless possibilities for your retirement. Mexico receives a high score of 84 in our Real Estate category. Despite what you may have heard, it's not too late to buy real estate here. You can own beachfront-not just ocean view property-in Mexico for less than $100,000. By the way, annual property taxes in Mexico are low…very low-would you believe 1/10th of 1% of the appraised value of your home? (And the appraised value is typically far lower than the actual value.)"

What are the other countries that top International Living's list as the world's top retirement havens? If you are a subscriber to International Living magazine, you can read the full article in your September issue.

You may be surprised at how some countries rank in this index. As you may know, before this year, Panama topped the IL Retirement Index for six years in a row. This year, Panama comes in at fourth place, and in her article, Laura outlines the reasons for its lowered ranking.

One of the reasons Mexico has attained the top spot in this year's index is because of the INAPAM retiree benefits program we told you about a couple of weeks ago. This program offers discounts on a wide range of services to those age 60 or older, including foreigners with a Mexico residence visa. By the way, it is very easy to get a residence visa in Mexico-far easier, in fact, than to obtain one in many other countries, including Panama, which has long promoted its residency package to foreigners.

And now, because today I am one to gloat, I'd like to say to my fellow IL editors and others who haven't been paying attention to all that Mexico offers: "I told you so."

Best Regards,
Suzan Haskins
Editor, Mexico Insider
International Living

P.S. You already know about the Live and Prosper in Mexico conference we'll be hosting in Puerto Vallarta Sept. 23-25. Maybe now you'll consider joining us to find out for yourself if Mexico is for you? Don't forget about all the freebies we're offering. For example, the first night's hotel accommodation at the Fiesta Americana for everyone who attends the conference is FREE. Dinner one night-at one of Vallarta's most acclaimed restaurant-is on us: FREE. And in a random drawing, one lucky attendee will get his or her four-night seminar stay at the Fiesta Americana Hotel comped in full: FREE. And if you say the word "tequila" when you call and register, you'll receive a free bottle of one of Mexico's finest tequilas upon arrival in Puerto Vallarta.
To learn more, e-mail Events@InternationalLiving.com or call 1-866-381-8446 (toll free in the U.S. and Canada).