vidékváros

Vidékváros is a Hungarian term that literally translates to "countryside town" or "rural city." It describes a type of settlement in Hungary that occupies a unique position between a small village and a large city. These settlements are typically larger than villages but do not possess the extensive infrastructure, population density, or economic diversity of a major urban center.

The characteristics of a vidékváros can vary, but they often serve as regional centers for surrounding smaller communities. They may provide essential services such as schools, healthcare facilities, administrative offices, and a limited range of commercial activities. While they retain some rural elements, such as a connection to agriculture or a more relaxed pace of life, they also offer more opportunities and amenities than a typical village.

These settlements often developed historically from market towns or administrative centers in rural areas. Their economic base might be a mix of local services, small-scale industry, and sometimes still agricultural processing. In the administrative structure of Hungary, many vidékváros hold the status of "town" (város), differentiating them from "villages" (falu). They play a crucial role in the spatial organization of the country, acting as nodes of activity and service provision in less densely populated regions.