This paper presents the results of a qualitative sociological study conducted in the Samara urban district. Samara city center possesses historical and cultural value; several years ago it was awarded the status of a historical settlement. The purpose of the study was to identify the value structure in the attitude of residents of the Samara historical center to the territory of their residence. An attempt has been made to comprehend the perception by residents of historical areas of the value of the place through the spatial triad of Henri Lefebvre. When explaining the high potential of the historical city center in relation to other areas, Robert Lucas' clustering theory was applied. The hypothesis about the clustering of people, resources and opportunities in the city core is proven based on the obtained empirical data. With reference to Richard Florida's book, the thesis that different places are suitable for different people is tentatively confirmed.