City of Tarsus: Tarsus was on the southern coast of what is now known as Turkey.
Tarsus was a significant city. It was the Roman provincial capital and an intellectual center. It was very Greek in nature, meaning Paul spoke Greek (among other languages), and he was familiar with Greek customs, literature, philosophy, etc.
Saul's family was a part of the Jewish community in Tarsus, and his father was a Roman citizen -- meaning Saul was also a citizen. This is not a minor thing. Few people were Roman citizens and citizens had special rights that later would help Saul. His family's citizenship is also indication that his family was fairly well off. Saul was not from a poor family.