The town was exactly the same as before.
The town has altered a great deal since then.
The town has changed a great deal since then.
This town was very beautiful 10 years ago.
My hometown was much as it used to be.
This town has become quite city-like.
The city was encompassed with [by] a thick fog.
Martial law has been proclaimed in the city.
The sleepy town has been transformed into a bustling city.