It is located to the west of Murrayfield and Saughtonhall, to the east of Corstorphine, and to the north of Gorgie.

It is bound to the north by Corstorphine Hill, to the west by Carrick Knowe Golf Course, and roughly to the east by Water of Leith.

The Gaelic "Bal-" (farm) prefix can also be found in Balerno and is not unusual in the area.

The placename Balgreen is also found near Murieston and Ecclesmachanin West Lothian.

There is also a library, primary school, and a large park here, with facilities for football (soccer) etc., and a children's playpark.