The article discusses selected functional-spatial issues taking place in communes of a metropolitan area after the political transformation period in Poland. Development of residential functions in the area of communes of the chosen metropolitan area has had a vital influence on their functional-spatial and socio-economic transformation. The extent of these changes triggered metamorphosis of communes bordering the central city. The subject under analysis was processes occurring between years 2010-2015 in 17 communes of the Poznań county (Wielkopolska province) within the influence of the central city, which constitute a crucial part of the Poznań Metropolitan Area (POM). The phenomenon of the expansion of the central city intensified after political reforms launched in Poland in 1989. Poland’s accession to the European Union on 1 May 2004, development of selfgovernments at the local level and transformation into market oriented economy contributed to, among others, polarization of areas of communes bordering the central city, as well as to creation of models of sustainable development of settlement network. Functional structure of residential areas of the communes of the Poznań county is dominated by single family dwellings. Multi-family buildings are situated in areas of highly urbanized communes with a well-developed public transport network and services. Functional-spatial and socio-economic changes of areas of the communes bordering the central city are tightly connected with population migration. The years under analysis showed further depopulation of the central city. Social and economic processes taking place in areas of the communes of the Poznań county exert an influence on both natural and historical-cultural environment. Modernization and development of technical infrastructure in rural areas, and economic development creating new jobs brought reduction of discrepancies among residents of communes within the influence of the central city zone.