- The New York metro leads the list of large metropolitan areas and the nation, with 606 coworking spaces.
- Salt Lake City tops mid-sized metros with 38 spaces, while Boulder leads among small metros with 25 spaces.
- California is the top state for coworking spaces, with 864 locations. It’s followed by Texas and New York with 627 and 532, respectively.
There’s no doubt that the pandemic has massively revamped the way we tackle work, and it turns out, a lot of us are getting used to the flexibility of remote work. With 12.7% of employees embracing the full-time work-from-home lifestyle, and 28% adopting a hybrid approach, the traditional office is no longer the norm. As a result of these changes, coworking spaces have witnessed an uptick in popularity, becoming larger players in the post-pandemic office landscape.
With this in mind, we analyzed the distribution of the national coworking inventory to identify which metropolitan areas provide the most options for their remote workers. Of course, the bustling metros aren’t the only ones welcoming the remote/hybrid work models. For this reason, we expanded our research to mid-sized and small metros, to compare the number of coworking spaces available in each area.
California Is the Top State for Coworking, Texas & New York Trail Behind
Zooming out to a state level, California is at the forefront, with an impressive tally of 864 coworking spaces. The Sunshine State leverages its reputation fueled by L.A., which housing large companies like Snap Inc., BlackLine, and Collectors, that have embraced hybrid work models.
Not far behind is Texas, with 627 coworking spaces, mostly due to its large urban centers like Dallas, Austin, and Houston. The state of New York — home to 532 coworking spaces — sits at #3. Capitalizing on a dynamic mix of industries, the Empire State hosts financial and tech powerhouses such as JPMorgan Chase and Spotify, that have consistently championed hybrid work models.
New York Tops List of Large Metros With 606 Coworking Spaces
Large metros are at the epicenter of the coworking movement across the U.S. Without further ado, here are the top metros with populations of more than 1 million where coworking spaces are thriving:
1. New York, NY – 606 Coworking Spaces
New York is 2024’s top metro for remote workers, registering an impressive 606 coworking spaces. With booming sectors like tech and finance seeking to tap into a global talent pool, it comes as no surprise that New York City itself is home to more than half (360) of the shared offices in the metro. Furthermore, with New York City expanding its successful remote work pilot to allow non-unionized workers to work remotely twice a week, the metropolitan area is expected to witness a continued rise in demand for coworking spaces.
Accounting for a smaller piece of the coworking pie within the metro, Jersey City, NJ, is the next area, lagging behind New York with 13 coworking spaces. Meanwhile, White Plains adds another nine to the metro’s inventory.
2. Los Angeles, CA – 357 Coworking Spaces
Los Angeles ranks as the second large metro with the highest number of coworking spaces, logging 357. Although the city of Los Angeles itself holds the highest concentration of coworking spaces (76), nearby Irvine, CA, is also home to 36 flexible workspaces.
The coastal setting of Newport Beach, CA, coupled with the proximity to major employers in tech and finance in the region make it the third spot in the LA metro, with 18 coworking spaces. Similarly, Pasadena, CA, and Beverly Hills, CA, follow, with each contributing14 coworking spaces and contributing to the metro’s sturdy inventory.
3. Miami, FL – 272 Coworking Spaces
Miami is 2024’s third-ranking large metro for remote workers, boasting a strong presence with 272 coworking spaces. The city of Miami itself stands out with the lion’s share, hosting the majority of these spaces (85) and positioning itself as a hotspot for remote work and entrepreneurship in the South. At the same time, Fort Lauderdale, FL, contributes 26 coworking facilities to the metro’s total inventory, demonstrating the area’s appeal to businesses and individuals seeking flexibility and a less congested alternative to the bustling Miami scene.
Boca Raton, FL, and Coral Gables, FL, (with 23 and 18 spaces respectively), highlight the demand for shared workspaces in suburban settings that offer a balance of professional amenities and a relaxed atmosphere. Finally, West Palm Beach, FL, rounds out the top five in the Miami metro, by adding 16 coworking spaces and reinforcing the metro’s status as a thriving hub for remote work.
4. Washington, D.C. – 247 Coworking Spaces
The Washington, D.C. metro is flexing its professional muscles with a substantial 247 coworking spaces. The city itself leads this charge, offering 79 coworking spaces that cater to a workforce fueled mostly by the politically inclined.
That said, the surrounding cities contribute significantly as well, with Alexandria, VA, providing 20 spaces, and Arlington, VA, close behind with 19. Meanwhile, Bethesda, MD, adds 11 coworking hubs to the mix, a mark of the area’s blend of biotech and healthcare enterprises. Tied at 10 coworking spaces each, Reston, McLean, and Fairfax in Virginia complete the picture, embodying the region’s shift towards catering to the flexible work demands of professionals in burgeoning government, tech and consulting sectors.
5. Dallas Fort Worth, TX – 244 Coworking Spaces
Dallas-Fort Worth inches behind with only three fewer coworking spaces than Washington, D.C. Of course, most of these spaces are in Dallas (79), while remote workers also benefit from 24 flexible workspaces in Plano.
Fort Worth supplies the western border of the DFW metroplex with 21 coworking spaces, while Texas suburbs Irving and Frisco log 17 and 15 coworking spaces, respectively, adding to the metro’s hefty inventory. Whether it’s the migration of businesses from places with higher taxes or the smoked briskets and ribs that appeal to remote workers, the DFW metro earned its top-five spot.
Salt Lake City Offers the Most Coworking Spaces Among Mid-Sized Metros
However, the rise of coworking spaces isn’t limited to large urban centers. Mid-sized metros also offer ample opportunities for remote workers and businesses looking for flexible, community-oriented work environments. Here are the top five metros with a 500,000 to 1 million residents:
1. Salt Lake City, UT – 38 Coworking Spaces
Topping the list of mid-sized metros, Salt Lake City boasts 38 coworking spaces. Granted, the city itself is the nucleus of this coworking ecosystem with a notable 25 locations. Other cities in the Utah metro — like Sandy and Draper — also contribute with four and three spaces respectively, thereby offering a variety of environments for the remote workforce.
2. Bridgeport, CT – 35 Coworking Spaces
The Bridgeport metro in Connecticut places second among mid-sized metros with 35 coworking spaces. Stamford, CT, leads within the metro with nine, while the affluent city of Westport, CT, provides seven spaces that cater to a high-end market.
Even so, the distribution of coworking spaces across the Connecticut cities of Norwalk, Fairfield, and Bridgeport highlights a trend towards embracing remote and flexible work environments outside of the traditional urban centers. And, by offering coworking options in these areas within the metro, the demand for flexible workspaces is met for individuals and businesses looking for alternatives to the city's hustle and bustle.
3. Albany, NY – 29 Coworking Spaces
The Albany metro area in New York comes in third with 29 coworking spaces. The city proper and state capital is at the forefront, housing nine coworking locations that serve a diverse professional population and their remote/hybrid work needs.
Saratoga Springs, NY, and Schenectady, NY, are not far behind, with five and four spaces respectively, signaling the region’s adaptability to the rising trend of coworking. Additionally, smaller cities — like Clifton Park and Troy — also contribute coworking spaces to the metro, helping residents find a convenient and flexible workspace close to home.
4. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC – 29 Coworking Spaces
With the same number of coworking spaces serving a smaller population, the Durham-Chapel Hill metro of North Carolina shares the third spot with Albany, NY. Durham, NC, — known for its innovation and entrepreneurship — leads the pack with 16 coworking spaces.
Neighboring Chapel Hill, NC, offers four such spaces, while the nearby Research Triangle Park — a hub for technology companies — contributes another eight to the total count. These numbers reflect the area’s rich academic and technological background, which requires flexible workspaces.
5. Charleston, SC – 22 Coworking Spaces
Closing out the top five mid-sized metros is Charleston, SC, with 22 coworking spaces. The city of Charleston accounts for a significant portion of this total with seven spaces. This historic city is complemented by Mount Pleasant, SC, and North Charleston, SC, which offer six and seven coworking spaces respectively, attracting remote workers with their charm and economic opportunities.
Small Metros, Big Opportunities: Boulder Tops the List
Not to be outdone, small metros with populations of less than 500,000 are also catering to remote workers. Let’s explore the top small metros that, despite their size, are rich in opportunities for those looking for flexible workspaces.
1. Boulder, CO – 25 Coworking Spaces
Boulder, CO leads the small metros category with 25 coworking spaces. Known for its stunning natural surroundings, Boulder is emerging as a magnet for remote workers with a passion for the outdoors. Accordingly, 15 coworking spaces can be found within the city, catering to a mix of innovators, startups and independent professionals.
Neighboring cities like Longmont, CO, and Lafayette, CO, contribute five and three spaces respectively, while Louisville and Erie each offer a unique coworking spot to complete the metro’s roster.
2. Asheville, NC – 13 Coworking Spaces
Asheville, NC ranks second among small metros with 13 coworking spaces. This artistic mountain town not only attracts tourists but also remote workers with its eclectic vibe and growing tech scene.
Here, Asheville itself houses 10 spaces, reflecting its reputation as a haven for creativity and independent business endeavors. Nearby Brevard, Carmel and Black Mountain in North Carolina add one coworking space each, rounding out the offerings in the metro.
3. Trenton-Princeton, NJ – 13 Coworking Spaces
The Trenton-Princeton metro in New Jersey shares second place on the list, also boasting 13 coworking spaces. In particular, Princeton, NJ, — with its rich academic atmosphere provided by Princeton University — puts forward 10 such spaces.
Additionally, Trenton, NJ, contributes two coworking spaces to the mix, while Lawrence Township, NJ, adds one, offering remote workers in the state capital region a professional and accessible working community.
4. Reno, NV – 12 Coworking Spaces
Reno, NV is next in this population bracket, with 12 coworking spaces, turning into a mini-hub for entrepreneurs and remote workers. The city is not only known for its casinos but also for an emerging tech scene that supports its moniker as the “Biggest Little City in the World”.
Reno, NV itself has nine coworking spaces, while surrounding areas — like Incline Village, NV, Sparks, NV, and even across the state line in South Lake Tahoe, CA— provide additional spots for a flexible work lifestyle within the metro.
5. Provo, UT – 11 Coworking Spaces
Provo, UT rounds out the top five small metros with 11 coworking spaces. In this case, Lehi, UT is the main contributor with seven spaces, influenced by its tech-centric Traverse Mountain area.
Nearby Orem, UT — and the city of Provo, UT — add two coworking spots to this metro area that is quickly becoming known for its blend of high-tech opportunities and quality of life.
Methodology
- To calculate the number of coworking spaces, we used proprietary data from our sister division, CommercialEdge, last updated in February 2024.
- The total number of properties includes unique operators from the same building. If an operator had more than one space in the same location/building, the number of properties remained one.
- The list of markets, as considered for this research, can be found here: https://www.commercialedge.com/marketsmap/. *Exceptions: the New York City metro area includes some counties in northern New Jersey, upstate New York and Long Island. Orange County is included in the Los Angeles metro area.
