>> Our small towns are defined, you know you are there, but, in London, you don’t know it as city goes for many miles in all directions.<<
Again, the same as Los Angeles. One large megalopolis, defined by many “towns:” Van Nuys, Pacoima, Encino and interspersed with cities and unincorporated county areas.
You can drive 3 AM Saturday (the only time to do so uninterrupted) for 1.5 hours in an approximate circle and pass through 25 “towns.”
Many places in Texas, you can drive at 3 pm on a Wednesday for 1.5 hours and pass through 2-3 towns. I think I'll stay right here.