The Pros and Cons of Living in Greenbrook Village in Lakewood Ranch
by Adam Miller
The Pros and Cons of Living in Greenbrook Village in Lakewood Ranch
If you’re considering moving to Greenbrook Village in Lakewood Ranch, you’re likely weighing the benefits of this community against potential drawbacks. With its prime location, top-rated schools, and beautiful outdoor spaces, Greenbrook Village offers a well-balanced lifestyle, but no neighborhood is perfect.
As local Greenbrook Village residents and real estate experts, we’re giving you a deep dive into the real pros and cons of living here so you can make an informed decision before buying a home in this popular Lakewood Ranch neighborhood.
The Pros of Living in Greenbrook Village
Prime Location in the Heart of Lakewood Ranch
One of the biggest draws of living in Greenbrook Village is its strategic location in Lakewood Ranch. With easy access to State Road 70 and Lorraine Road, this neighborhood puts you in the perfect position to enjoy everything Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and the surrounding Gulf Coast areas have to offer.
Within minutes of Greenbrook Village, you’ll find:
Lakewood Ranch Main Street (5 miles away) – A lively hub with boutique shopping, local dining, coffee shops, and frequent community events.
Waterside Place (6.5 miles away) – A picturesque, waterfront shopping and dining destination, offering outdoor patios, live music, and a vibrant weekend market.
University Town Center (UTC) (7.5 miles away) – One of the region’s top destinations for high-end retail, entertainment, and diverse dining options.
Everyday conveniences – Greenbrook is just a short drive to Publix, Target, Walmart, fitness centers, and healthcare facilities.
Beyond Lakewood Ranch, Greenbrook residents enjoy quick access to Sarasota and the Gulf Coast beaches. The famous Siesta Key Beach, known for its powdery white sand, is only 45 minutes away, while Lido Key and Anna Maria Island offer even more waterfront escapes. For travelers, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is just 30 minutes away, making domestic and international flights a breeze.
Living in Greenbrook means you get the best of small-town charm with big-city convenience—all while being just minutes from stunning coastal destinations.
2. Family-friendly atmosphere with a Strong Sense of Community
Greenbrook Village is one of the most welcoming and family-oriented neighborhoods in Lakewood Ranch. It’s a place where neighbors know each other, kids ride their bikes through the streets, and families gather at the parks on weekends.
Throughout the year, residents organize:
Community events and block parties – Holidays, seasonal gatherings, and spontaneous get-togethers make it easy to connect with neighbors.
Outdoor movie nights and BBQs – Casual gatherings in the parks create a relaxed, social environment.
Local meetups – From walking groups to fitness classes, there’s always an opportunity to get involved.
Because Greenbrook doesn’t have a gated, country-club feel, it attracts people looking for a down-to-earth, friendly community. If you’re looking for a neighborhood where you can build long-lasting friendships, Greenbrook is a great place to call home.
3. Access to Highly Rated Schools in Lakewood Ranch
For families with school-aged children, Greenbrook Village offers some of the best-rated schools in Lakewood Ranch. Parents love the convenience of having two top-rated schools located within the community, making daily drop-offs and pick-ups a breeze.
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School (Grades K-5) – Located right inside Greenbrook, this school is known for its excellent academic performance, dedicated teachers, and strong parent involvement.
R. Dan Nolan Middle School (Grades 6-8) – Also located within the neighborhood, Nolan Middle consistently ranks as one of Manatee County’s best middle schools.
Lakewood Ranch High School – Just a short drive away, offering AP courses, strong athletics programs, and extracurricular opportunities.
Proximity to great schools not only makes life easier for families but also increases home values—meaning that investing in Greenbrook Village is a smart long-term decision.
4. Affordable HOA Fees Compared to Other Lakewood Ranch Communities
One of Greenbrook Village’s biggest perks is its low HOA fees, especially when compared to many newer Lakewood Ranch communities.
Just $100 per year – A stark contrast to other neighborhoods that charge anywhere from $300 to $600 per month.
No mandatory golf memberships – Unlike some nearby communities, Greenbrook does not require expensive golf or social memberships.
No CDD fees – Many newer Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods have high Community Development District (CDD) fees, but Greenbrook avoids those additional costs.
While some buyers prefer the resort-style amenities of high-fee neighborhoods, many Greenbrook residents appreciate having affordable homeownership without the added financial burden.
The Cons of Living in Greenbrook Village
1. No Private Amenities Like a Resort-Style Pool or Clubhouse
One of the biggest trade-offs for Greenbrook’s low HOA fees is the lack of private amenities. Unlike some Lakewood Ranch communities that offer:
Clubhouses with lounges and event spaces
Resort-style swimming pools and spas
On-site fitness centers
Greenbrook relies on Lakewood Ranch’s public parks, walking trails, and nearby gyms for recreational activities. If having exclusive, private amenities within your community is a priority, you might want to explore communities like Esplanade at Lakewood Ranchor Waterside Place.
2. Homes May Need Updates and Renovations
Greenbrook Village’s homes were primarily built in the early 2000s, meaning that while they offer mature landscaping and classic architecture, some may require modern updates. Common renovations buyers consider include:
Updating kitchen appliances, countertops, and cabinets.
Renovating bathrooms with newer fixtures and modern designs.
Replacing roofs, HVAC systems, and water heaters, depending on their age.
While many Greenbrook homes have already been upgraded by previous owners, it’s worth factoring in potential renovation costs when purchasing a home here.
3. Not a Gated Community
Unlike some of the newer, high-end developments in Lakewood Ranch, Greenbrook Village is not a gated neighborhood. For many residents, this isn’t a dealbreaker, as Lakewood Ranch is already one of the safest master-planned communities in Florida.
However, if 24/7 security, access-controlled gates, and private patrols are a priority, you may want to consider gated neighborhoods like The Lake Club, The Isles, or Country Club East.
4. Traffic Congestion Near Schools
Because Greenbrook Village is home to two top-rated schools, traffic can become congested during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
Peak congestion happens between 7:30–8:30 AM and 2:30–3:30 PM, with long car lines forming outside McNeal Elementary and Nolan Middle.
Residents near the schools may experience extra traffic on their streets.
That said, this is a common issue in school-adjacent communities, and most residents find it manageable by adjusting their travel schedules.
Is Greenbrook Village Right for You? Let’s Find Out!
Greenbrook Village is an amazing place to live, offering a laid-back, family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and an unbeatable location. While it lacks resort-style amenities, it makes up for it with low HOA fees, outdoor spaces, and a true sense of community.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Greenbrook Village, let’s talk! We’ll guide you through every step and help you find the perfect fit in Lakewood Ranch.
