Starting in the mid-twentieth century, Tolyatti became a city that developed on the basis of the implementation of three projects: the hydroelectric power station, chemical plants, and the motor vehicle plant (AVTOVAZ). During that period of time, young people came to the Stavropol and Tolyatti area from various regions of the country to take part in the construction of major enterprises. In the second half of the twentieth century, the stereotype of Tolyatti as a city of young people came to be formed under the influence of not only ideological factors but also statistical indicators. In the past few decades some striking changes have taken place, including the aging of the population and changes in the ideology and structure of values. A survey of upper-grade students in the city of Tolyatti on their views of the city shows that about half of them are satisfied with it as a place to live, and that this is associated with relatively low expectations. (Contains 3 tables.)