Choosing the right location can make or break your coworking space. The best site balances demand, accessibility, and affordability while giving members a safe, inspiring place to work. Here’s how to weigh the most important factors when scouting for your first space.
What makes a coworking location “good”?
A good coworking location is one that people can easily reach, it should feel safe and welcoming, and match the needs of your target members. It should also offer enough demand in the area, have nearby amenities, and be financially sustainable for you as the operator.
How do you validate demand before signing a lease?
Don’t assume “if I build it, they will come.” Test local interest first:
- Run pop-up coworking days in cafés or libraries to see if people show up.
- Talk to local professionals beyond freelancers, including consultants, small business owners, and remote employees.
- Use social media polls in community groups to gauge interest.
- Watch behavior: if coffee shops are filled with laptop workers, demand is already there.
- Check for competitors: a few spaces nearby can validate demand, but no spaces at all means you’ll need more awareness-building.
How far will people travel to a coworking space?
Most people consider a commute of around 20 to 30 minutes reasonable, which makes it a good benchmark when choosing your coworking location. If reaching your space takes much longer, attendance is likely to drop (US Census Bureau).
Accessibility: can members get in and get going?
Accessibility is often the deciding factor. Look for:
- Transit access: near subway, tram, or bus stops
- Parking: on-site or nearby free parking in suburban/rural areas
- Bike-friendliness: lanes and secure racks
- Centrality: downtown or town-center spots usually outperform hidden locations
- Safety: a well-lit, comfortable neighborhood is essential
Is the local market right for your target members?
Check whether the community matches your business model:
- Population and workforce size: small towns can work if remote workers cluster there.
- Target audience: tech freelancers, remote employees, or parents each need different settings.
- Local industries: nearby universities, startups, or hospitals can supply steady members.
- Freelancer density: search platforms like Upwork or check local Facebook groups.
- Income fit: ensure your pricing aligns with local earning levels.
Do neighborhood perks matter?
Yes, members often choose coworking over home for the lifestyle boost. Look for:
- Food and coffee within walking distance
- Gyms or parks for wellness breaks
- Shops and services (bank, post office, pharmacy) for errands
- Schools/childcare if you target parents
- Vibe: the character of the neighborhood will shape your brand
If the area lacks perks, plan to fill gaps with in-house coffee or food partnerships.
What’s the competitive picture?
Competition isn’t bad; it proves demand. But you’ll need to stand out:
- Map direct and indirect competitors
- Differentiate by pricing, amenities, or niche
- Avoid oversaturation in crowded districts
- Leverage distance: sometimes being closer to certain neighborhoods wins members
- Learn from others’ mistakes: parking, hours, or vibe can be your edge
Building and infrastructure: non-negotiables
Your building must deliver on basics:
- Reliable, fast internet, especially critical in rural settings
- Adequate power, HVAC, and plumbing
- Layout flexibility for open desks, private rooms, and events
- Natural light and low noise levels
- Accessibility for all users: ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms make your space inclusive and compliant with legal requirements
- Zoning and compliance with fire and building codes
Budget: how to stay realistic
Location is exciting, but numbers keep you afloat.
- Balance rent vs demand potential
- Account for hidden costs like utilities and renovations
- Start smaller and expand later
- Use second-hand furniture or member-donated items to cut costs
- Check for grants or incentives in rural towns
👉 Tip for new spaces: You can get free coworking management software when you’re just starting out. Tap the image below to see how.
Urban vs rural strategies
- Urban: prioritize transit, walkability, and visibility. Differentiate with neighborhood identity or unique features.
- Rural/small town: central main street locations with free parking and strong broadband. Spaces often double as community hubs.
Conclusion
For first-time operators, the best coworking location is the one that balances demand, accessibility, community fit, and financial sustainability. Validate interest first, then weigh location factors against your goals and budget. Remember: no spot is perfect, but the right one will make your space easier to fill, manage, and grow.
Looking for more guidance? Check out our resources for coworking first-steps, explore our blog for industry insights, and sign up for our marketing newsletter to get weekly tips.
FAQ on Choosing a Coworking Space Location
What makes a coworking location good?
A good coworking location is accessible, safe, and welcoming, with enough demand in the area. It should align with member needs, have nearby amenities, and be financially sustainable for the operator.
How do I validate demand before signing a lease?
Test interest by running pop-up coworking days, talking to local professionals, using community polls, and watching behavior in cafés. Check competitors: some validate demand, but no spaces at all may mean extra awareness-building is needed.
How far will people travel to a coworking space?
Most people are willing to travel 20–30 minutes. Typical distances are 1.5–2.5 km on foot, 4–9 km by bike, and 5–12 km by car or public transport, according to US Census Bureau data.
What accessibility factors matter most?
Transit access, parking availability, bike-friendly infrastructure, central locations, and neighborhood safety are crucial. Spaces that are easy to reach and welcoming outperform those that are hidden or hard to access.
How do I know if the local market is right for my members?
Consider local population size, workforce, industries, and freelancer density. Align your pricing with income levels and check whether target groups like tech freelancers, parents, or remote workers are present in the area.
Do neighborhood perks really matter?
Yes. Members often choose coworking for lifestyle benefits. Food, coffee, gyms, shops, and childcare nearby enhance appeal. If the area lacks perks, consider partnerships or in-house options to fill the gap.
What building and budget factors should I prioritize?
Your building must have reliable internet, adequate utilities, flexible layouts, natural light, accessibility, and comply with zoning and safety codes. Keep budgets realistic by balancing rent with demand, accounting for hidden costs, starting small, and exploring grants or second-hand options.