Borderland cities rank in ‘Best Cities for Successful Aging’

El Paso and Las Cruces made a national ranking list, but some may not like how low they fell on the list of best cities for successful aging.

The Milken Institute put out a 66-page report that says older adults are staying in the workforce longer and anticipating more golden years. That means the places they choose to live should be communities that enable them to age independently and productively.

El Paso ranked 61 out of 100 in the large metro ranking, with Albuquerque not far behind. Las Cruces is in the small metro ranking and ranked 140 out of 252.

If Borderland weather were a major factor in deciding where it’s best to age, not necessarily retire, Las Cruces and El Paso would have ranked higher on the list of “Best Cities for Successful Aging.”

“Perfect location, great cultural diversity, great climate and now we’re bringing in all these amenities. We’re very attractive,” El Paso’s Director of Economic and International Development Cary Westin said.

However, climate was just one of 84 factors considered that impact the quality of life for older adults. El Paso jumped 30 spots since the last Milken Institute study in 2012.

“We constantly are looking for new things for our elderly residents to do here in the city,” Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said. He is surprised by the low ranking his city received in the small cities category.

Miyagishima said New Mexico normally ranks in the top five states that retirees want to move to. Las Cruces’ rating has also jumped, from 173 two years ago to 140 now.

El Paso’s high marks were for cost of living and financial indicators, with lows for health care, education and employment.

“Making better walkways, making more bike-friendly areas … all those things I think are really important to an aging population,” Westin said.

Las Cruces also ranked well for cost of living, and education, with low marks for transportation. Miyagishima said the city is addressing those issues.

“We are still in talks with our friends in Alamogordo to bring residents to here for medical care and grocery shopping and students, as well,” Miyagishima said.

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