Located approximately 12 miles (19 km) northwest of central London and adjacent to the Greater London boundary, it is an urbanised parish with suburban residential development, some open land and light industry.

It is predominantly residential development with some light industry and open land in the Metropolitan Green Belt.

The parish includes the settlements of Elstree and Borehamwood, which are divided from each other by the Midland Main Line.

The Elstree telephone exchange building is within 12.5 miles (20.1 km) of Oxford Circus and subscriber numbers therefore use the 020 code.

Elstree & Borehamwood railway station is located between the two main settlements on the Thameslink route from Bedford to Brighton via Central London.