Mexico Tops Retirement List

Mexico is now the number one location for retirees, according to the 15th Annual Global Retirement Index recently published by International Living magazine.

By comparison, the U.S. ranked 19th.

Panama, which had been Number One for six years dropped to fourth because of rising property costs. Other top ten countries include Ecuador, Italy, Panama, Australia, Malta, Spain, South Africa and Malaysia.

But all of those countries require much longer travel times on flight routes that can be complex. By contrast, the leading Mexican destinations have many direct flights from nearly all major markets in the U.S. Minimal time zone changes are required.

Among the criteria used by International Living Index in rating Mexico's Number One ranking were quality medical care, geographic diversity, and availability of cable TV, high speed internet, cell phone services. Also mentioned were Mexico's rich, historical culture and "modern living" features such as cable TV, high speed internet and cell phone services.

Activities in Mexico were also important, including an abundance of retirement hobbies, touring, shopping, concerts, theater and fine dining.