Describing Towns Vocabulary

A town that has grown up suddenly, usually for a reason such as the discovery of oil or the building of a large, local factory: characteristics may include being vibrant, possibly half-built, full of new, young people

• university town

• market town

• boom town

A town with no people, often a boom town that went bust, or because a disaster or change in the economy caused people to leave: characteristics may include being empty, derelict, run-down

• shanty town

• ghost town

• historic town

An old town with buildings and monuments from the past: characteristics may include pretty, touristy, lively, expensive

• regional capital

• spa town

• historic town

A place full of shops and attractions for tourists, often on the coast: characteristics include touristy, expensive, quaint, relaxing

• holiday town/resort

• spa town

• regional capital

A town with factories: characteristics may include unattractive, polluted, noisy, commercially successful

• industrial town

• market town

• regional capital

A small town, often old with a historic square in the centre: characteristics may include attractive, picturesque, sleepy, friendly, local

• market town

• port town

• regional capital

A town on the coast with boats or ships and working industry: characteristics may include busy, vibrant, commercially successful

• shanty town

• port town

• regional capital

The capital or main city of a region: characteristics may include vibrant, industrial, interesting, cosmopolitan

• shanty town

• university town

• regional capital

A town of temporary shelters on the edge of a big city built by and for poor people: characteristics may include run-down, unhealthy, deprived, dangerous, lawless

• shanty town

• university town

• regional capital

Characteristics may include lively, lots of bars and restaurants, historic buildings, young population

• spa town

• university town

• regional capital