The problem of identity, means and forms of personal identification with the social environment is in the focus of recent anthropological research. Group identity analysis, as an important part of urban space investigations, allows reflecting of citizens’ values and aspirations at individual and group levels, as well as showing common and specific features of the city images. Our empirical study of urban identity in Chisinau, based on interviews and focus groups, aimed to reconstruct city images and ethnocultural characteristics of local identities. The results showed that urban identity is closely related to the ethno-cultural belonging of respondents and their experience of urban socialization, thus reflecting the main socio-cultural context (city and state history, different forms of massive migration). The level of urban socialization is the main factor, influencing on the estimation of dynamic processes of urban space transformations. It must be emphasized that positive local identity, which could be a resource for solidarity and development, needs a definite period of stability, as well as its constant reproduction by different kinds of actors, that is the symbolic capital of Chisinau needs to be valued and used for the enhancement of its attractiveness.