Coworking Spaces Are Reshaping America’s Central Business Districts, Research Shows

As flexible work opportunities become engrained into the modern workforce, coworking spaces are emerging as a powerful influence reshaping America’s central business districts (CBDs) in 2024.  

According to findings published by Coworking Cafe called “The Evolving Landscape of Coworking Spaces in America’s CBDs: 2024 Insights,” shared workspaces are redefining the traditional office landscape by offering a broad range of amenities and services to cater to diverse professional demographics. 

New York City, despite a 10% reduction in the number of coworking spaces across Midtown Manhattan and the Financial District, holds the top spot — boasting more than 160 flex workspaces in its CBDs alone.

According to Coworking Cafe, the top cities were: 

The data reveals that the east coast of U.S., particularly the northeastern region, is maintaining its lead within the coworking scene — with cities like Pittsburgh entering the top 10. Cities in California and Texas remain scattered throughout the top 10, with Houston closing in on Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Chicago is the only city in the Midwest among the top CBDs for coworking.  

It’s also worth noting that Washington, D.C. closely follows New York City, with 54 CBD flex spaces — which, according to Coworking Cafe’s report, suggests a mature market and the continued appeal of flexible work solutions for government agencies, NGOs, and advocacy groups. 

However, the focus on downtown areas is also decreasing as the coworking market expands beyond business districts. The data suggests that urban and suburban areas are also playing a role in coworking’s growth. 

As coworking spaces become more widely adopted, it is expected to impact commercial real estate markets and urban planning. The trend reflects broader discussions about the future of work, implications for city centers, and the balance between remote and office-based working environments.