General:
* City
* Metropolitan
* Town
* Densely populated
* Developed
* Modern
* Industrial
* Bustling
* Crowded
* Concrete jungle
Positive connotations:
* Vibrant
* Cosmopolitan
* Diverse
* Innovative
* Progressive
* Opportunity
* Excitement
* Cultural hub
* Center of activity
Negative connotations:
* Overcrowded
* Polluted
* Traffic
* Crime
* Stressful
* Impersonal
* Fast-paced
* Concrete
Specific aspects:
* Skyscrapers
* Public transportation
* High-rise living
* Street life
* Nightlife
* Shopping malls
* Cultural institutions
* Graffiti
* Street art
* Gentrification
Contrasts:
* Rural
* Suburbia
* Nature
* Quiet
* Peaceful
* Traditional
* Slow-paced
The best guide words for you will depend on the specific context and the message you want to convey. Consider the audience and the overall tone of your writing.