Like the example, I used, it kind of depends. It isn't legally pary of the city if it isn't in the city limits. What the public considers it depends on what segment of the public you ask. For example, the Detroit Pistons actually play in Auburn Hills, not within the Detroit city limits. And the Detroit Lions used to play in Pontiac. Now for some people, Auburn Hills and/or Pontiac are "in the area" enough to be considered "Detroit". Others would say, "No way". Then you have Royal Oak, Dearborn, etc. which are all in the Detroit metropolitan area but aren't technically Detroit. SOme people might not want to be described as living in Detroit if they don't because of the city's reputation. OTOH, for people who do live there, hearing somebody claim to be from there when they won't go into the city for love or money - it could be a bit annoying.