Well known television celebrity Graham Kennedy spent part of his childhood in the Balaclava area.

Balaclava is home to much of Melbourne's Orthodox Jewish Community, consisting of both Hasidic and non-Hasidic (Misnagdim or Yeshivish) Jews.

Within its confines are a number of kosher restaurants and shops that cater to the local and broader Melbourne Haredi communities.

Many of the church buildings in Balaclava are historic and heritage registered and form various religious precincts.

Historic church buildings include: Balaclava is served by several forms of public transport.