This area straddles the Texas-Arkansas border with Texarkana, Texas, to the west and Texarkana, Arkansas, to the east. The twin cities are inseparable. In fact, the state line bisects the post office, which serves them both simultaneously. Typical for the region, both cities are plain and quiet but business-friendly. Low business costs and a strategic location bring a fairly large albeit low-tech manufacturing base, including such items as tires, aluminum, cardboard and pipe fittings.

Recent employment trends have been strong and the area often boasts the lowest Cost of Living Index in the country. Recreation opportunities abound in nearby lakes and state parks, but there isn’t much to do in either town.

The city sits in an area of level to gently rolling land with mixed agricultural areas, cotton plantations, and pine forests. The climate is a mix of humid subtropical and continental types. Summer months are hot and fairly humid, but more pleasant than areas to the south near the Gulf. Winters are mild, with occasional, short periods of cold. Rainfall occurs as steady winter rains or as spring and summer thundershowers, which can be severe in spring.