Settlements always have a battery charging station. Prices and charge speeds vary depending on the settlement. Expensive settlements are good for selling, cheap ones good for buying.
Most settlements sell food and water.
Some settlements have a lodge that costs money but allows the use of a bed.
Some settlements have a store, bazaar, or trading post where items and modules can be purchased.
Settlements are the crossroads where the player decides what direction to go
Some stops act like settlements but are unique.