Locality vs. Street: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 9, 2023
A locality encompasses a broader area or neighborhood, while a street is a specific paved path or road within a locality.
Key Differences
A locality pertains to a broader area, often encompassing multiple streets, landmarks, and buildings. Conversely, a street designates a specific pathway or thoroughfare within a locality, often lined with structures.
When giving directions, a locality offers a generalized point of reference, hinting at a particular area or neighborhood. A street, however, provides a more precise indication, directing one to a specific path or address within the locality.
One might identify their general whereabouts by naming a locality, suggesting they are in a specific district or neighborhood. Meanwhile, mentioning a street provides a pinpointed location, such as being on "Main Street" within a given locality.
Localities might have their own administrative or jurisdictional implications, possibly being overseen by specific councils or bodies. Streets, on the other hand, are parts of these larger localities and often don't carry such administrative weight on their own.
Localities can carry certain socio-cultural connotations or reputations, reflecting the general vibe or characteristics of the area. Streets, while sometimes iconic in their own right, are more so identified with the buildings and activities they house within the broader context of the locality.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Broader area or neighborhood.
Specific paved path or road.
Usage in Directions
Generalized reference.
Precise location.
Administrative Implication
Might have jurisdictional oversight.
Part of a larger locality.
Socio-cultural Connotation
Reflects the vibe of the area.
Identified by specific buildings or activities.
Scale
Encompasses multiple streets and landmarks.
A component of the broader locality.
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Locality and Street Definitions
Locality
A region with distinct characteristics.
This locality is famed for its historical landmarks.
Street
A paved public road in a city or town.
Main Street is bustling with activity during weekends.
Locality
A particular region based on certain criteria.
The locality is zoned for residential use only.
Street
A thoroughfare with buildings on either side.
The street was lined with quaint cafes and shops.
Locality
A particular neighborhood, place, or district
"Localities, even individual villages, developed their own languages" (Wall Street Journal).
Street
A specific address location.
Their house is on Elm Street.
Locality
The fact or quality of having position in space.
Street
Abbr. St. A public way or thoroughfare in a city or town, usually with a sidewalk or sidewalks.
Locality
The fact or quality of having a position in space.
Street
Such a public way considered apart from the sidewalks
Don't play in the street.
Locality
The features or surroundings of a particular place.
Street
A public way or road along with the houses or buildings abutting it
Lives on a quiet street.
Locality
The condition of being local.
Street
The people living, working, or habitually gathering in or along a street
The whole street protested the new parking regulations.
Locality
The situation or position of an object.
Street
Street A district, such as Wall Street in New York City, that is identified with a specific profession. Often used with the.
Locality
An area or district considered as the site of certain activities; a neighbourhood.
Street
The streets of a city viewed as the scene of crime, poverty, or dereliction.
Locality
Limitation to a county, district, or place.
Street
The common public viewed as a repository of public attitudes and understanding.
Locality
(geography) A built-up area, i.e. a city, town or village
Street
Near or giving passage to a street
A street door.
Locality
The perceptive faculty concerned with the ability to remember the relative positions of places.
Street
Taking place in the street
A street brawl.
Street crime.
Locality
The state, or condition, of belonging to a definite place, or of being contained within definite limits.
It is thought that the soul and angels are devoid of quantityand dimension, and that they have nothing to do with grosser locality.
Street
Living or making a living on the streets
Street people.
A street vendor.
Locality
Position; situation; a place; a spot; esp., a geographical place or situation, as of a mineral or plant.
Street
Performing on the street
Street musicians.
A street juggler.
Locality
Limitation to a county, district, or place; as, locality of trial.
Street
Crude; vulgar
Street language.
Street humor.
Locality
The perceptive faculty concerned with the ability to remember the relative positions of places.
Street
Appropriate for wear or use in public
Street clothes.
Locality
A surrounding or nearby region;
The plane crashed in the vicinity of Asheville
It is a rugged locality
He always blames someone else in the immediate neighborhood
I will drop in on you the next time I am in this neck of the woods
Street
A paved part of road, usually in a village or a town.
Walk down the street until you see a hotel on the right.
Locality
A specific area or neighborhood.
The locality is known for its vibrant arts scene.
Street
A road as above, but including the sidewalks (pavements) and buildings.
I live on the street down from Joyce Avenue.
Locality
A district within a city or town.
I reside in the northern locality of the city.
Street
The roads that run perpendicular to avenues in a grid layout.
Locality
An area with its own administrative significance.
The locality council meets every month.
Street
The people who live in such a road, as a neighborhood.
Street
The people who spend a great deal of time on the street in urban areas, especially, the young, the poor, the unemployed, and those engaged in illegal activities.
Street
An illicit or contraband source, especially of drugs.
I got some pot cheap on the street.
The seized drugs had a street value of $5 million.
Street
(finance) Wall Street.
Street
(attributive) Living in the streets.
A street cat; a street urchin
Street
Streetwise slang.
Street
(figuratively) A great distance.
He's streets ahead of his sister in all the subjects in school.
Street
(poker slang) Each of the three opportunities that players have to bet, after the flop, turn and river.
Street
A style of skateboarding featuring typically urban obstacles.
Street
(slang) Having street cred; conforming to modern urban trends.
Street
To build or equip with streets.
Street
To eject; to throw onto the streets.
Street
To heavily defeat.
Street
To go on sale.
Street
To proselytize in public.
Street
Originally, a paved way or road; a public highway; now commonly, a thoroughfare in a city or village, bordered by dwellings or business houses.
He removed [the body of] Amasa from the street unto the field.
At home or through the high street passing.
His deserted mansion in Duke Street.
Street
The roadway of a street{1}, as distinguished from the sidewalk; as, children playing in the street.
Street
The inhabitants of a particular street; as, the whole street knew about their impending divorce.
Street
A thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings;
They walked the streets of the small town
He lives on Nassau Street
Street
The part of a thoroughfare between the sidewalks; the part of the thoroughfare on which vehicles travel;
Be careful crossing the street
Street
The streets of a city viewed as a depressed environment in which there is poverty and crime and prostitution and dereliction;
She tried to keep her children off the street
Street
A situation offering opportunities;
He worked both sides of the street
Cooperation is a two-way street
Street
People living or working on the same street;
The whole street protested the absence of street lights
Street
A public way for travel or transportation.
The parade will march down the street.
Street
Often named for identification.
Sunset Street offers beautiful evening views.
FAQs
Is a street always within a locality?
Typically, yes; streets are part of larger localities.
What's the primary difference between a locality and a street?
A locality is a broader area, while a street is a specific road within that area.
Can a locality contain multiple streets?
Yes, a locality often encompasses several streets.
Can a locality have its own governing body?
Yes, some localities have councils or administrative bodies.
What determines a street's name?
Names can be historical, descriptive, or arbitrary, depending on local conventions.
Are avenues and lanes different from streets?
They are types of streets, often differentiated by size or function.
Do all streets have names?
Most do for identification and navigation, but not always.
Is a locality always urban?
No, localities can be in urban, suburban, or even rural settings.
Are localities static in their boundaries?
Not always; administrative or urban developments can change them.
Can a locality be known for specific features?
Yes, like arts, history, or other socio-cultural aspects.
What's the importance of a locality?
It provides a broader context or identity within a city or region.
Is every road in a city considered a street?
Not necessarily; there are also avenues, boulevards, lanes, etc.
Can streets have cultural significance?
Yes, some streets are iconic due to events, landmarks, or history.
Can a locality have its own post code?
Often, yes; it helps in sorting mail or deliveries.
How are localities named?
Names can be historical, based on landmarks, or other regional factors.
Are streets important for city planning?
Absolutely, they determine traffic flow, zoning,
Do streets only exist in cities?
No, streets can be in towns, villages, or even rural areas.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
