Life in the US–Mexican Border Region: Residents’ Perceptions of the Place

Abstract

There are both multiple realities and truths along the US–Mexican border region. Within this dichotomy, there are overriding themes by which a sense of place indeed matters when examining an individual resident's quality of life. This study reviews quality of life data for four city pairs along the US–Mexican border region, providing an insight into how residents perceive their sense of place as that mirrored in the community on the opposite side of the border. The conclusions that are drawn from this comparison show a greater need for better understanding and joint policy making along the US–Mexican border. With this coordination, a stronger, more mutually beneficial relationship can be achieved among and between the different levels of both governments and residents.