For some people, working from home is an ideal way to balance their work and personal lives. Parents raising children, introverts, or those who prefer a more flexible schedule and environment might thrive in a home office. But it’s not for everyone. The best coworking spaces offer freelancers, contractors or other remote workers a chance to separate work from home in a way that can be really beneficial.

The rise of coworking spaces can be traced back to the early 2000s, when a number of entrepreneurs began to experiment with new ways of working, particularly in Silicon Valley. The concept of coworking quickly caught on, and as of March 2022, there were around 23,500 coworking spaces in operation worldwide. That number is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

Is a Coworking Space Right for You?

Using a coworking space may cost more than a home office, depending on your situation, but working in a dedicated office space has its advantages. Getting up and going to work outside of the home is a great way to reset and get your creative juices going. Additionally, being around other workers means more opportunities for collaboration and networking, which can lead to new clients.

If you are easily distracted by your family, housework, television or just the comfort of home, coworking might be a good fit. Finally, the best coworking spaces for freelancers offer a variety of amenities and access to equipment that you may not have at home. Anything that can help motivate you to get to work is a plus, right?

If coworking sounds like it might work for you, but you aren’t sure how to get started, where to look for the best coworking spaces or which coworking space companies you can trust, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on for a list of the best coworking spaces in the US and where they are located, with pros and cons for each.

The 10 best Coworking Spaces for Freelancers in the US

Choosing the best coworking space for freelancers to fit your particular needs can be tricky. Here are some things to consider before choosing a coworking space:

• Location. You need a space close to your physical location, whether you are in your home city or traveling. Be sure to factor in traffic or public transportation for your commute as well as surrounding businesses, like restaurants for client meetings or shopping for necessary supplies. 
• Equipment. You want to make sure the office space you use has everything you need to be successful. For most freelancers, that means reliable internet, but if you utilize  specialized equipment, look for spaces that can accommodate that. For example, a designer might need a large format printer, a photographer might need a well-lit space, or contractors working on sensitive software might need isolated servers to fulfill  custom security requests. 
• Price. Even if a space is at the top of the best coworking spaces list, if it’s out of your budget, it isn’t the right fit. Most coworking spaces have fairly flexible contracts, so if you have to lower your standards in another area to find something in your price range while you grow your business, it helps to remember that it is temporary. You can move into a better space in time.
• Community. The clientele of a workspace can make a big difference in how you feel about doing your job. Working with a community of like-minded individuals with similar challenges to yourself will help keep you motivated and inspired, and optimize your networking. The best coworking spaces will have great energy and a pleasant environment in which you feel supported.

With these requirements in mind, let’s dive into our list of best coworking spaces in the US. 

1. Creative Density Coworking (Denver)

Based in Denver, CO, Creative Density has a 4.9 Google rating and professes to be “the friendliest coworking space.” There are four different Denver locations, so if you are in the metro area, odds are they have one that will work for you. 

Pros:

• Affordability – Memberships start at just $75/month
• Comfort – Members have been happy with the cozy feel of Creative Density’s offices, Including fireplaces, snacks and private areas for calls
• Community – Reviewers nearly all mention the great sense of community. Coworkers often gather for weekly lunches and there’s always someone to brainstorm with.

Cons: 

• Small Business – Creative Density is privately owned and is a small business. While this means a personal touch, occasionally it also means a lack of resources and slow response times if there is an issue. 
• Casual – The community vibe is great for a lot of things, but if you are looking for a fancy corporate office space for client meetings, take a tour first to ensure this is the right kind of setting.

2. Work Hive (Salt Lake City)

Work Hive has two locations in the Salt Lake City, UT area, and a 4.9 star Google rating. Their website claims “ a diverse community of fun, motivated, and entrepreneurial individuals who work hard, and build great things together. 

Pros:

• Flexibility – Work Hive is one of the best coworking spaces as far as flexible pricing goes. From a $25 day pass to group conference spaces to unlimited 24/7 access, their membership options will work for anyone.
• Amenities – Most workers mentioned the well-stocked kitchen, variety of office supplies available, standing desks, etc that make Work Hive a comfortable place to be. 
• Management – it seems the owners are willing to go out of their way to solve problems and meet the requests of members. From filming space to tech support, they exceed expectations at every turn.

Cons: 

• Parking – As with any large city, parking can be tricky at this downtown location. Salt Lake City does have excellent public transit in the downtown area, which may solve this problem for some workers.
• Location variety – with only the two different locations, patrons living or visiting in the greater metro area will probably find this to be a tough commute. 

3. Mindrome Coworking Space (Santa Clara)

Yet another 4.9 rated space, Mindrome, located in Santa Clara, CA, makes the best coworking spaces for freelancers list with a clean environment and coffee on demand. Their motto is, “life’s too short, work for yourself,” and many people in the area do just that.

Pros:

• Silicon Valley Access – Having an office presence in Silicon Valley is a type of currency, and Mindrome offers exactly that. For a monthly fee, you can have your mail delivered here even if you don’t rent a desk.
• Professional – Great-looking office space helps make a good impression on clients, whether you are on a video call or renting a conference for a face-to-face meeting.

Cons:

• Pricing – Although reasonable for the notoriously pricy Bay Area, Mindrome has less flexible options than some of the other coworking spaces on this list. Freelancers or solopreneurs may find it a little out of range.
• Customer Service – Several patrons pointed out a lack of communication from the staff, and an unwillingness to help solve problems.  

4. The Haven Coworking (Bend, OR)

Boasting “Inspiring & collaborative work spaces for teams and individuals,” The Haven in Bend, Oregon is yet another 4.9 Google star earning coworking space. The team puts heavy emphasis on DEI efforts, so everyone can feel included here.

Pros:

• Accessibility – The Haven is one of the few places on this list of best coworking spaces that specifically calls out accessibility, both in the physical office and on the website. 
• Views – The scenery may not top your list of priorities in a coworking space, but the view from The Haven is beautiful enough that multiple workers called it out in their reviews. Having an inspiring place to work in is a bonus, for sure.
• Amenities – A fully stocked kitchen with coffee, kombucha and snack options plus ergonomic office furniture, podcast rooms, e-bikes, paddleboards and even showers make The Haven one of the best coworking spaces in the whole country.

Cons:

• Reliable Internet – Most patrons were thrilled with their experience, but it is worth noting that a few reviews complained of an unreliable internet connection for meetings. 

5. West Seattle Coworking

West Seattle Coworking is a full-service coworking space that has been operating since 2002. It is locally owned and offers two different locations for your convenience. 

Pros:

• Month-to-Month Contracts – Most memberships offer short-term contracts, so there’s not a lot of risk involved in joining. There is no free trial, but you can book a 15-minute tour at no charge to see the space in person before signing up.
• Upgrades in Progress – the office is undergoing some renovations this year, so it will soon be better than ever.

Cons:

• Availability – Due to the popularity of the best coworking spaces, some of them have a waiting list, and West Seattle Coworking is no different. It can be difficult to get a space here, so plan ahead.

6. Reno Collective (Reno, NV)

This coworking space in Nevada calls itself “a community of freelancers, creatives, small business owners, remote employees, WFHers, and startups who have come together to make themselves and their businesses a success.” Reviewers seem to agree. 

Pros:

• Location – The Reno Collective is located in Midtown Reno, which is a vibrant and up-and-coming area. This makes it easy to get to and from, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars nearby.
• Community – The Reno Collective is a great place to meet new people and build relationships. There are regular events and meetups, and the staff is always friendly and helpful.

Cons:

• Price – The Reno Collective is a bit on the expensive side. However, the amenities and community make it worth it for some people.
• Noise Level –  The Reno Collective can be a bit noisy at times, especially during peak hours. If you’re looking for a quiet place to work, this might not be the best option for you.
• Limited Parking – Parking can be a bit limited in the area around the Reno Collective. If you’re driving, it’s best to arrive early to find a spot.

7. Outlet Coworking (Sacramento)

Outlet Coworking is a modern coworking space located in the heart of Midtown Sacramento. It offers a variety of amenities, including high-speed internet, printing and scanning. It also has a vibrant community of professionals and entrepreneurs.

Pros: 

• Flexibility: Outlet Coworking offers a variety of membership options, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
• Access to conference rooms: Outlet Coworking members have access to conference rooms, which can be used for meetings, interviews, or presentations.
• No Long-Term commitment: Outlet Coworking memberships are month-to-month, so you can cancel at any time if you need to.

Cons:

• Lack of Privacy: Outlet Coworking spaces are open, so you may not have as much privacy as you would in a traditional office.
• No Dedicated phone line: Outlet Coworking spaces do not have dedicated phone lines, so you may have to use your cell phone for work-related calls.

8. officeLOCALE Coworking Space and Business Center (Thousand Oaks, CA)

officeLOCALE Coworking Space and Business Center is a coworking space in Thousand Oaks, California that offers a variety of amenities and services. They have been in business for 20 years, so odds are they have figured out a few things when it comes to supporting small businesses and freelancers. 

Pros:

• Variety of Workspaces – officeLOCALE Coworking Space and Business Center offers a variety of workspaces to choose from, including private offices, hot desks, and conference rooms. This can be helpful if you need a change of scenery or need to meet with clients or colleagues.
• Extra Services – This location makes the list of best coworking spaces in part because of the extra services offered. Reviewers loved the mail and print options and even live scan fingerprinting services. 

Cons:

• Pricing Confusion – some customers find the pricing structure and special discounts confusing, but most were able to straighten it out in the end.

9. 3rd Space Cowork (Newark NJ)

Located in Newark, New Jersey, 3rd Space claims to be “A family-run shared workspace,“ and reviews apparently agree, as the space has high ratings across every social media review platform.

Pros:

• Modern Design – If you are looking for a professional, great looking space to bring clients or host group meetings, 3rd Space is the place for you. The office even features artwork from local students. Complete with designer furniture, a rooftop and a cafe, you will be sure to impress. 
• Free Parking – In the downtown area, the value of free, easily accessible parking cannot be overstated.

Cons:

• 3-Month Minimum Contracts – While 3rd Space has a lot of flexible options from an exclusive wing to an open hot desk area, they do have contract minimums, so the pricing structure is a bit less flexible if you aren’t looking for something long-term. 
• Schedule – 3rd Space is still operating on pandemic hours, 9am-4pm Monday through Friday. This is likely fine for most freelancers with a flexible schedule, but if you are operating across time zones or prefer working on weekends, you will have to request special access. 

10. Office Evolution Nashville

Nashville is an up-and-coming business center, and as coworking space companies go, Office Evolution offers one of the best experiences in the area. With tons of amenities and upfront pricing, this space has, as they say it, “Spaces & Solutions Tailored To Your Needs.”

Pros:

• 24/7 Access – Your membership at Office Evolution grants you access to the building (and a desk), anytime you need it. Night owls, unite!
• Affordability – Office Evolution has a flexible pricing structure, and with shared spaces starting at just $200 per month, this is a truly affordable solution for freelancers who don’t want to work from home.

Cons:

• Parking – While parking is free at this location, the space is in a high-traffic area, so it isn’t always possible to get a space near the entrance. One reviewer suggested that you “wear some comfortable walking shoes.”
• Privacy – Private offices are available at a higher price, but the coworking space is open, so you may not have as much privacy as you would in a traditional office.

To Share or Not to Share

There are advantages to both working in a shared space and working from the comfort of home. Whether you are just getting started as a freelancer and dislike the distractions of a home office, or business is booming and you need a professional space to host clients, some of the best coworking spaces are available to help you be productive. 

Coworking spaces became popular long before the pandemic drove so many workers into remote environments, and they will continue to thrive as long as freelancers, gig contractors and flex workers are around to take advantage of all that they have to offer. 

Hopefully this list gets you thinking about what you need in a coworking office, and you are able to search through the best coworking spaces near you for an ideal solution. 

If coworking still doesn’t seem feasible from a price perspective, or you just prefer the solitude or flexibility that working from home offers, check out these other Millo resources to help you make the most of your work-from-home experience:

• How to avoid distractions when working from home
• Setting Up Your Home Office for Optimal Health and Productivity: A Guide for Freelancers
• Remote Control: Supporting the New Reality of Working from Home

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