Residential choice in polycentric border-crossing agglomeration areas: the example of the Lake Constance-Alpine Rhine Valley

This paper is one of the first studies that outlines and deals with differences and similarities arising in polycentric border-crossing agglomerations in knowledge-based economies. We examine the multi-country border-crossing polycentric agglomeration in the Lake Constance-Alpine Rhine Valley region, comprised of Liechtenstein and parts of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. We specifically try to identify factors influencing the residential choice within a polycentric border-crossing agglomeration in a knowledge-based economy. Although the results and outcomes are limited to the case-study region, the implications could be tested in other polycentric border-crossing agglomerations characterised by knowledge-based economies across the globe. The most important factors for residential choice are proximity to family and friends, safety, career opportunities and a high standard of living.