Living on the Edge: Quirky Border Towns and Their Unique Dividing Lines

Towns split between two countries or states often find themselves living in a world of paradoxes. These unique places are not only defined by their geographical quirks but also by the strange and often humorous ways their residents adapt to dual identities. From Texarkana’s state-spanning charm to the checkerboard puzzle of Baarle-Hertog, here’s a closer look at the unusual lives of those who call border towns home.

Texarkana: Two States, One Identity

Texarkana is a city with one foot in Texas and the other in Arkansas, and its residents proudly embrace this duality. Located on State Line Avenue, the dividing line runs through the middle of the city, with Texas on one side and Arkansas on the other. This geographic quirk means residents navigate two sets of laws, from different tax rates to varying alcohol sales regulations.

But perhaps the most relatable challenge arises during football season: Which state gets the loyalty of Super Bowl parties? Locals joke that Texas sides tend to favor the Dallas Cowboys, while Arkansas loyalties are more divided. Despite the playful rivalries, Texarkana residents cherish their shared identity, often saying they are “Twice as Nice” for representing both states.

Baarle-Hertog/Baarle-Nassau: The World’s Most Confusing Borders

In the quiet towns of Baarle-Hertog (Belgium) and Baarle-Nassau (Netherlands), borders don’t just run through the streets; they zigzag through homes, businesses, and even cafes. This complex web has created one of the world’s most confusing border arrangements, with Belgian territory entirely surrounded by Dutch land and vice versa.

One café famously straddles the border, with tables divided between the two countries. During the pandemic, the café followed whichever country’s COVID-19 regulations were more lenient, moving tables from one side to the other depending on the rules of the day. Residents of Baarle navigate their dual identities with humor, adapting to the idea of having two national postal systems, laws, and even garbage collection schedules.

Derby Line: The Library That Crosses Borders

The small town of Derby Line, Vermont, sits on the U.S.-Canada border, with its twin town of Stanstead just across the line in Quebec. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is a unique landmark that physically straddles both countries. The library’s reading room is in the U.S., while the bookshelves reside in Canada, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Anecdotes abound about residents attending dual-nationality events, such as hockey games in Canada and Fourth of July parades in Vermont, celebrating the best of both worlds.

Everyday Oddities and Life in Border Towns

Life in border towns brings challenges and humor. In Texarkana, residents switch area codes depending on which side of the street they’re on. In Baarle, homeowners may have to deal with two sets of property taxes. And in Derby Line, a simple grocery run might involve crossing an international boundary. But these quirks also create a sense of community and adaptability. For anyone curious about life on the edge, these towns are reminders that the lines on a map are just the beginning of the story.