Mexico Voted World's Top Retirement Haven

Viva Las - Mexico? According to the 15^th Annual Global Retirement Index just released by International Living magazine, Mexico tops the list as the world's top retirement paradise. Paradise for retirees can be defined by real estate costs, special benefits for seniors, culture, safety, stability, healthcare, climate, infrastructure, and cost of living.

According to Laura Sheridan, Managing Editor of International Living, retiring in Mexico means, "you can still have all of the amenities you grew accustomed to north of the border." The United States, ranked number 19 in the index, fell short in the area of special benefits for retirees.

It is no secret that Baby Boomers are financially ill prepared for retirement years. More and more Americans are seeking low cost retirement destinations abroad to maximize their golden years on a very limited income. It's probably also true that boomers appreciate the "manana mentality" life style.

Last year, the Dallas Morning News reported that approximately one million Americans live in Mexico. According to the CIA World Fact Book on Mexico, nine percent or 9,783,080 of Mexico's population as of July 2007 is "White." Some of the more popular American retirement destinations in Mexico are Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Allende, and Rosarito Beach.

Reasons Why Mexico Ranked Number One for Retirement

Goods and services cost less
No import taxes when you expatriate
Quality medical care and prescriptions cost a fraction of that in the States
Geographic diversity
Beachfront property for less than $100,000
Year-round spring-like temperatures in the Colonial Highlands
Rich, historical culture
Availability of cable TV, high-speed Internet, cell phone services, modern living
Abundance of retirement hobbies, touring, shopping, concerts, theater, and fine dining