Maybe that's yet another difference between Brits and Merkans [or prolly just between you and me, really]. If I read a story about NYC, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, LA, San Fran, Hollywood... I like having details, no matter how many times I've been there or how long I've lived there.

Obviously not details at the cost of pace/story/characters/plot/usw., but something about the city, especially if the charm of the city has helped shape the characters' personalities, which undoubtedly it should.