Ashwood is bounded by Huntingdale Road to the east, the Glen Waverley railway line to the south, Warrigal Road to the west and a wandering alignment to the north that approximately follows Carlyle Street, Zodiac Street, Gardiners Creek, Ashwood Drive, Montpellier Road and Arthur Street.

[3] Until the early 1950s, when residential development commenced in the area, Warrigal Road formed the boundary of suburban development, with market gardens, poultry farms and unmade roads to the east.

The new dwellings constructed at this time were typically double-fronted cream brick houses.

The building was designed in 1952 by architect Robin Boyd, and built using the patented Ctesiphon construction method.

Electra Reserve to the east includes a dog club, croquet facilities and a senior citizens hall.

Ashwood School, located on Montpellier Road was established in 1976 and caters for students aged 5 to 18 years old with mild intellectual disabilities.