Beautiful Coworking Spaces That Call Smaller Cities Home

by Kaitlan Whitteberry on August 18, 2017
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While it’s pretty obvious that large metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco boast multiple coworking spaces, after all the demand is highest in those areas. But what about remote workers outside big city limits? As the demand for alternative offices continues to grow, the availability of flexible workplaces is stretching it’s reach all across the U.S. Below you’ll find a list of beautiful spaces a little further away from the cities that never sleep.

The_most_beautiful_coworking_spaces_in_smaller_cities_image.jpgThink Tank

Portland, Maine

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the state, eclectic Portland serves as the largest port in Maine. Just an hour and a half north of Boston, this town still manages to feel like an escape and can almost be classified as sleepy during winter months. Brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of Old Town house a vivid art scene, and a supportive community that calls this seaside town home.

Think Tank is located on Congress Street, right in the heart of Portland’s Art District. This building serves as the coworking spaces’ flagship location, with two other spots in Yarmouth and Biddeford. Since its beginning in 2010, Think Tank’s mission has been to provide “urban professionals with a comfortable and convenient space to work, convene and conference.” Members have coded access to a variety of workspaces including private offices, dedicated desks, conference rooms and lounges. Taking advantage of their location, Think Tank participates in the Art Walk exhibit that happens each month in the community. Memberships start at $150 per month.  

Local Works J36A1485-600x400.jpg

Charleston, South Carolina

Known for its southern hospitality and beautiful architecture, Charleston is both a popular place for visitors and workers alike. Nestled near the Atlantic coast, this cozy beach town is #27 on Forbes’ list of best places for business and careers. Charleston’s largest industries are tourism, which comes at no surprise, but also technology.

Located parallel to the famous King Street, Local Works opened its doors in 2014 with a mission to provide a “place for entrepreneurs to collaborate, co-create, and harness the energy and support of other local business owners.” This 3,000 sq ft. community was built with classic Charleston charm in mind, and features items purchased at local companies from the office desks, hand soap, coffee and the building’s green roof. A firm supporter of activity-based working, Local Works features open desks, phone booths, reservable conference rooms, a lounge area and collaboration space. Part-time memberships start at $150 per month, but know there is an application process. 

The_most_beautiful_coworking_spaces_in_small_cities_Columbia.jpgThe Hatchery

Columbia, Missouri

While a proud home to the University of Missouri and Stephens College, this quaint town is situated directly between Kansas City and St. Louis. Columbia hosts a thriving community of specialty boutique stores and restaurants which are supported by both locals and university students. Listed as #4 on Forbes’ list of Best Small Places for Business, the entrepreneur spirit continues to grow, while education and insurance industries make up the bulk of the economy.

The Hatchery is the first coworking space of its kind in central Missouri. They offer childcare in the same space where their members cowork. The founder of the workspace said her struggle and the “need to create work life balance as a professional woman and a mother, inspired The Hatchery.” This fulfills a growing need in the coworking world, considering 80% of entrepreneur mothers started their businesses after having children. While membership provides access to open spaces, a private meeting room and coffee, members can choose to add on childcare to their existing plan. Memberships begin at just $20 per month, and childcare costs are separate.   

FLDWRK The_most_beautiful_coworking_spaces_in_small_cities_fullerton.jpg

Fullerton, CA

Not your stereotypical Orange County suburb, Fullerton holds a surprising amount of small-town charm for its location. Just an hour south of LA, their downtown seems to take it slow in the best way. Full of young families making their start and a young, hipster crowd thanks to the college nearby, Fullerton is increasing in popularity among remote workers looking for a break from the mania up north.

FLDWRK (pronounced fieldwork) is a relative newcomer on the coworking scene, especially in the shadow of established options in nearby Los Angeles. Focused on providing entrepreneurs with support to grow, FLDWRK defines its members as “a community of individuals who are driven by an aspiration to advance good in the world.” Definitely more than just a place to work, this coworking space nurtures it’s tight-knit community. While they offer the classics like reservable conference rooms, lounge areas and free coffee, members find they linger for the after-hours events and monthly forum talks. Memberships start at $47 per month. 

The_most_beautiful_coworking_spaces_in_small_cities_spokane.jpgFellow Coworking

Spokane, Washington

Perfectly situated along a river and cradled by Sierra Mountains, this city takes advantage of its stunningly rugged location while still maintaining bit of urban chic. Labeled one of the top 10 fittest cities in the country, Spokane is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors but wants a treck along a bike trail to be followed by a cocktail.

In the heart of downtown and just a few block from the train station, Fellow Coworking “proudly provides its members with an environment to do their best thinking, working, and interacting.” From their lively yellow kitchen to their semi-private breakout rooms, Fellow has created a beautiful space full of natural light and fun events for their independent members to thrive in. Memberships start at $49 per month.

Beautiful, yet functional spaces aren’t exclusive to the bright lights of a big city. These coworking spaces have embraced the personalities of their small towns, and it seems to only add to their charm.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaitlan Whitteberry

Kaitlan Whitteberry is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from the University of Missouri's journalism program, and currently focuses on iOFFICE press releases, software updates and related news.

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