Luton (pronunciation ) is a large town and local government district located in the south of England, 32 miles (51 kilometres) north of London. Historically, Luton was within the county of Bedfordshire. However, since 1997, the town has been a unitary authority. Luton, along with its near neighbours of Dunstable and Houghton Regis form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area, with a population over 230,000.