The 2024 Global Retirement Index, compiled by International Living, ranks the best destinations when you reach retirement based on real-life experiences that take into account factors such as climate, cost of living, and healthcare.
Costa Rica ranks first, standing out for its climate, beaches, and tax benefits for foreigners with a total score of 83.57 out of 100.
Mexico ranks third with a score of 83, standing out for its lifestyle, culture, and affordability.
Mexico’s Colonial Highlands has long been a popular area with both expats and tourists. The expat havens of San Miguel de Allende and, to a lesser extent, Guanajuato—both located in the state of Guanajuato—have been attracting a foreign population for 60 years or more. They are easily among the best-known expat destinations in Mexico.
But they’re not the only options in the Colonial Highlands.
For gracious, big-city living, Mexico style, it’s hard to beat Querétaro, the capital of the neighboring state of Querétaro. This city—which has a population of about 1.1 million in the greater metropolitan area—has one of the highest qualities of life in Mexico. It’s also considered one of the safest cities in the country.
Querétaro has it all: a lovely, well-preserved historic center (which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996); modern shops and malls; excellent medical facilities; concert halls, museums, and other cultural outlets; universities galore; and a strong local economy. If you’re looking for a sophisticated, yet genuinely Mexican destination, look no further than Querétaro.
Source: International Living
