Satellite town
A satellite town or satellite city is a concept in urban planning that refers essentially to smaller metropolitan areas which are located somewhat near to, but are mostly independent of larger metropolitan areas.
Characteristics
Satellite cities are small or medium-sized cities near a large metropolis, that:
predate the metropolis' suburban expansion
are at least partially independent from that metropolis economically and socially
are physically separated from the metropolis by rural territory or by a major geographic barrier such as a large river; satellite cities should have their own independent urbanized area, or equivalent
have their own bedroom communities
have a traditional downtown surrounded by traditional "inner city" neighborhoods
may or may not be counted as part of the large metropolis' Combined Statistical Area
Quick reference
In the United States, the easiest way to tell if a community is a satellite city or some other type of development (see below) is to refer to the List of United States urban areas, to see if it has its own independent urbanized area or is considered to be part of the urbanized area of its larger neighbor. This rule has exceptions, but should generally be followed.