It all starts with a cold coffee and a louder-than-usual blender at your favorite café. Then, you were elbow-deep in client emails when a toddler hurled a blueberry muffin into your open laptop. That’s when it hit you: You need a real workspace — one with chairs that don’t wobble; Wi-Fi that doesn’t ghost you; and, preferably, fewer flying pastries.
Turns out, you aren’t alone. As of Q1 2025, the U.S. counts more than 7,800 coworking spaces. Cities like Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; New York City; and Chicago are expanding their shared office solutions, driven by freelancers, startups and even enterprise teams chasing flexibility (with a side of free espresso).
But, with great variety comes great indecision. So, if you’re looking to ditch the distractions and upgrade your workspace game, here are seven dead-simple (and caffeine-fueled) steps to help you land a shared office that actually works for you.
1. Clarify Your Needs
Start with the basics — team size, privacy, future growth, meeting room needs and legal must-haves (such as HIPAA). Think of this as your coworking wish list without the unicorn slides or meditation pods (unless that’s your thing).
As backed by Harvard Business Review, people in coworking environments tend to thrive more than their cubicle-confined counterparts. As such, choosing wisely matters. Write it down. Seriously.
2. Establish a Realistic Budget for Your Ideal Shared Workspace
Money talks, especially when it comes to monthly memberships. In early 2025, the average price for an open desk in the U.S. was $149 per month, while dedicated desks hit $300. Plus, a big city equates to a bigger bill. And, don’t forget add-ons like meeting rooms, printing, coffee or even rooftop yoga. Even so, a CoworkingCafe study from last year found that the average coworking memberships for 10 employees is more affordable than the equivalent office lease in more than 97% of the cities analyzed. Clearly, finding shared office space can actually save you money.
3. Consult Local Experts to Find Hidden Coworking Gems
Online platforms are great, but they can’t tell you that the sunny corner office fills up with blinding light at 2 p.m. or that the café downstairs plays live jazz on Thursdays. That’s where local brokers and on-the-ground experts come in. They often know what’s not listed online and can uncover hidden gems or negotiate perks that you might not expect. Additionally, they understand neighborhood dynamics — from foot traffic to the local business vibe — thereby helping you choose a spot that truly fits your brand and client base. Pro tip: Don’t overlook the local coworking community. Reach out to current tenants or community managers via social channels. Many are happy to share honest feedback about their space, the culture, and even which operators are most responsive when issues come up.
4. Prioritize Location
Sure, it looks sleek — but can you manage the two-hour commute every day? In the U.S., coworking hubs are booming in cities with shorter commutes. Also consider whether it’s easy for clients to find. Does it match your brand’s vibe, or does it scream “forgotten startup from 2013”? Remember, a convenient and accessible location can enhance client perceptions and employee satisfaction. Notably, platforms like CoworkingCafe make it easy to explore all of your options in one place with a handy map view that lets you compare locations without bouncing between 10 different tabs.
5. Experience the Space Firsthand
You wouldn’t buy shoes without trying them on, and the same logic applies here. Accordingly, spend a day in the space. Test the Wi-Fi. Count the awkward silences. Check the coffee quality. Chat with a few members.
You’ll learn quickly whether it’s collaborative paradise or a closed-off environment where no one shares the printer password. Firsthand experience can reveal nuances that online photos and descriptions might miss to ensure the space truly fits your work style.
6. Review the Contract Carefully
Don’t just scroll and click “accept.” This isn’t an online game. Key things to spot:
- What’s included (such as meeting rooms, printing or coffee)
- Rent increase policies
- Termination rules
- Data privacy and security clauses
If it reads like a mystery novel, seek legal counsel. Especially if you’re dealing with sales tax nightmares. Understanding the fine print can save you from unexpected costs and ensure that the space meets your compliance requirements.
7. Evaluate Community & Growth Opportunities
Spoiler: You’re not just paying for a desk. You’re buying into a network. Interestingly, a 2024 WeWork survey found that 59% of companies plan to grow using coworking spaces. Why? Because people are tired of solo Zoom calls and want to collaborate, connect and maybe invent the next unicorn over kombucha. Of course, a strong community means better innovation, which results in long-term business gain. It’s simple math. Engaging with a vibrant community can lead to partnerships, client referrals and a more fulfilling work experience.
Conclusion: Desk Goals (& Community Goals) Achieved
Finding the right shared office space doesn’t require divine intervention — just a smart checklist and some Wi-Fi. Whether you’re a solopreneur searching for focus or a growing team chasing flexibility, taking the time to assess your needs, explore your options, and test the vibe will pay off in productivity, peace of mind and a sense of belonging. Overall, the right space isn’t just about desks and coffee — it’s about finding a community that supports your goals, sparks ideas and makes the workday feel a little less like work. No more laptop-in-a-coffee-shop disasters. No more muffin-related trauma. Just you, your team, and a workspace where people — not just Wi-Fi — make the difference.
