10 Best Places to Retire in 2017

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If you’re looking for an amazing — and affordable — retirement destination in 2017, head south to Mexico.

According to International Living — an authority on global retirement and relocation opportunities — Mexico’s affordable cost of living, retiree benefits, climate, health care and other amenities make it the best country in the world to retire to in 2017.

International Living says:

“Mexico has always offered arguably the easiest transition to expat life around: Low-cost, conveniently close, friendly locals and plenty of expats — Mexico offers an appealing balance of exotic foreign culture and familiar First-World lifestyle.”

It’s the fifth time in the past 26 years that Mexico has earned the top spot in International Living’s Global Retirement Index, which ranks the best retirement havens across the globe based on a number of factors, including:

  • Health care
  • Visas
  • Climate
  • Cost of living
  • Healthy lifestyle
  • “Fitting in”
  • Entertainment and amenities
  • Retiree benefits and discounts

A growing number of American retirees are packing up their bags and moving abroad in their golden years. It’s a trend that’s only expected to grow.

Dan Prescher, an International Living senior editor who lives with his wife in Cotacachi, Ecuador, tells Forbes:

“The big news for U.S. citizens in the past year regarding retiring around the world was the strength of the dollar. It has made living in some countries, especially Latin America, incredibly cost-effective. The exchange rate was outrageous in our favor. The Mexican peso today is 20 to 1 against the U.S. dollar, which has made Mexico an incredible deal.”

International Living says these are the 10 best countries to retire to in 2017:

  1. Mexico
  2. Panama
  3. Ecuador
  4. Costa Rica
  5. Colombia
  6. Malaysia
  7. Spain
  8. Nicaragua
  9. Portugal
  10. Malta

Before you pack your bags and prepare to leave the U.S. behind in retirement, check out “Don’t Retire Abroad Until You Can Answer These 7 Questions.”

What do you think of International Living’s list of the best retirement countries? Share your comments below or on Facebook.

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