Ian Simpson

Sometimes, but not always - If it's a model of a grim corner of some city or other then I probably wouldn't want to live there, but it might be beautifully modelled and very evocative of the locality it seeks to represent.

I offer here Harford Street, by a friend of mine:

A beautiful, in my opinion, recreation of Post-War North London - Full of rot and decay. I wouldn't really want to live there but it's nicely modelled!

It's suddenly occurred to me that you might mean 'in real life', in which case I agree with you!!!

Thanks, Sem, I appreciate such a full answer. Yes, that is lovely modelling!

I guess I usually ask myself something like "Are there the appropriate facilities in this townscape that I would be happy living there?", e.g. is there a corner shop at the end of an Edwardian  terrace? You're right, it's not the quality of the modellling that matters, simply whether it looks as if the area would work as a neighbourhood, especially given the layout's period and location.