The article analyzes the problem of resettlement of migrants from Central Asian countries in Russian cities using the example of the city of Ekaterinburg. The author shows the positive role of the diffuse type of settlement in the cultural integration of migrants referring to the results of surveys of Yekaterinburg residents and non ethnic migrants. The creation of migrant enclaves within Russian cities creates precedents for misunderstanding between locals and newcomers in relation to each other.