The suburb is a middle income area of Durban located about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) inland from the Indian Ocean coast, on the south bank of the Umgeni River.

Morningside is classed under the Ward 27 in terms of IEC's demarcation which includes Essenwood, Windermere and Stamford Hill.

The elected Councillor for this Ward is Ernest Smith who represents the ward in the eThekwini Council and currently serves on the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee & currently serves as the Democratic Alliance Whip for the Human Settlements Committee.

Previously, Councillor Ernest Smith served on the Parks, Recreation and Culture portfolio's which is a part of Community Services Committee for Ethekwini Municipality.

Around Florida Road in the suburb's southwest is a nightlife area consisting of shops, restaurants, pubs and bistros.