Which term describes a town that is located near a major urban center but is not part of it?

The term that describes a town situated near a major urban center but not integrated into it is "satellite town." This concept often refers to a smaller community that may have its own local governance and infrastructure while being functionally connected to a larger city. Satellite towns typically arise as a response to urban sprawl, allowing residents to enjoy a suburban lifestyle while maintaining proximity to the amenities and employment opportunities in the urban center.

In contrast, suburbs are generally considered residential areas that may be either part of a larger city or directly adjacent to it, often sharing services and governance with that urban center. While the two terms are related, a suburb implies a closer integration with the city compared to a satellite town, which is more autonomous.

Settlement refers to any community of people living in a particular area, but it does not specifically denote the relationship to an urban center. Meanwhile, a shanty town signifies a specific type of informal settlement characterized by substandard housing and lack of basic services, and does not necessarily relate to the proximity or relationship to urban centers.