The term 'PART OF A METROPOLITAN AREA' can be summarized by the crossword solution EXURB, which is a five-letter word. An exurb is an area located outside of a metropolitan area, usually in a rural or semi-rural setting. It is typically characterized by lower population density and higher housing costs than the metropolitan area. Exurbs are often seen as bedroom communities for people who work in the city but prefer to live in a more rural setting.