Countries of the world are rapidly heading towards the information society of the 21st century in their development. However, the pace of this development is very differentMany of the countries, in particular the former post-Soviet and post-socialist camp, occupy only the industrial stage, or the transition to a post-industrial. Ukraine belongs to this category of countries of the world. All cities-regional centers of Ukraine are attributed to postindustrial cities, including the studied city of Kharkiv. The presence of a powerful industrial heritage is the main feature and specialty of the city of Kharkiv. In view of this, four development periods of the city are distinguished: pre-industrial, industrial, transitional to post-industrial and post-industrial. The city changed not only its appearance, but also significantly transformed its functions during these periods. However, there is still a significant impact on the city and its inhabitants of a powerful industrial past. This study highlights the main aspects of such impact. The phenomenon of "Soviet identity" of some sections of the population is considered. The decay of the industrial capacities that is happening to them is investigated, and those that have become brownfields and greyfields have been revealed.
