Kirkcaldy East covers a primarily residential area stretching from the town's eastern suburbs towards the coastline of the Firth of Forth. The ward includes the neighbourhoods of Dysart, with its historic harbour and 16th-century tolbooth, and Gallatown, an older settlement now integrated into the town. Inland areas feature post-war housing schemes and modern developments, creating a mix of architectural styles and community spaces. The landscape is characterised by gentle slopes leading down to rocky shorelines and coastal paths.
A significant portion of the ward's eastern boundary is formed by the coastal strip, which includes Ravenscraig Park and the former Ravenscraig Castle. The area is shaped by its industrial past, visible in the restored miners' rows of Dysart and the network of former coal wagonways now used as walking routes. The main A955 road runs through the ward, connecting these communities to Kirkcaldy's town centre, while local facilities include several primary schools and community centres serving the distinct neighbourhoods.
