Kreuzlingen, Switzerland

Capital City

With a population of just under 22,000, Kreuzlingen is the second-largest city in the Swiss canton of Thurgau. The local economy is largely commercial and manufacturing, with the largest employer being a clothing manufacturer. However, in recent years the city's downtown has experienced a dearth of shoppers as many, including buses from elsewhere in Switzerland, have started crossing the border to shop in the nearby German city of Konstanz, drawn by lower prices and a favorable exchange rate. The bureaucracy can also be a persistent headache, with the city's elected officials pleading for policy changes to address this anti-competitive situation. Kreuzlingen may be best suited for those seeking a smaller Swiss city with an industrial base, though the challenges of cross-border shopping and government red tape are important factors to weigh.