Community Coworking Statistics: Trends in Residential Coworking

Enabled by technology and accelerated by the pandemic, remote work is here to stay. Whether the arrangement is fully remote or hybrid, according to a Gallup poll last year at least half of US workers report that their job can be done remotely part of the time. 

And as remote work becomes increasingly popular, coworking spaces are gaining importance, providing a dynamic and collaborative environment for professionals from all walks of life. According to recent coworking statistics, there are over 6,200 coworking spaces in the U.S. supporting 1 million+ remote workers, a number that’s only growing.

New home communities like Pecan Square are recognizing this trend and embracing it by integrating coworking spaces right into the heart of our neighborhoods. This innovative approach fosters a strong sense of community while catering to the evolving needs of modern homeowners.

Community Coworking Spaces Defined

Community coworking spaces are shared work environments designed for people who work from home, freelancers, or remote workers. They offer a place to work, network, and collaborate with other like-minded individuals. The rise of community coworking spaces has been significant, for good reason.

Benefits of Community Coworking Spaces

Community coworking spaces are popular for all the right reasons! Here are a few worth noting:

1. Networking opportunities: Coworking spaces offer a chance to connect with professionals from various fields, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas. This professional ‘cross-pollination’ is much less likely to occur in traditional office models. 
2. Increased productivity: Working in a dedicated space with like-minded individuals can boost your motivation and help you stay focused on your tasks.
3. Flexibility: Coworking spaces offer flexible memberships, allowing you to choose the plan that best suits your career and lifestyle. For professionals who travel regularly, for example, there may be no need for a full-time arrangement. And coworking spaces located within residential communities don’t require memberships for homeowners.
4. Cost-effective: Sharing a workspace can be more affordable than renting a private office, especially for freelancers or small businesses. Better yet, many community coworking spaces (like the one at Pecan Square) don’t even charge a membership fee. 

Trends in Community Coworking Spaces

Here are some of the coworking trends that are currently shaping community coworking spaces:

1. Hybrid work models: With more companies adopting flexible work schedules, coworking spaces are becoming essential for employees who need a dedicated workspace. 
2. Niche coworking spaces: As the market grows, specialized spaces that cater to specific industries such as tech, design, or wellness, are emerging. Often, these spaces offer unique benefits specific to the niche they serve.
3. Focus on wellness and sustainability: Coworking spaces are now integrating eco-friendly practices and wellness-focused amenities like yoga studios and meditation rooms. These assets contribute to a community-minded quality of life that was often missing from more traditional workplaces.
4. Expansion to suburban and residential areas: As remote work becomes more prevalent, coworking spaces are emerging in suburban neighborhoods and residential areas, making it easier for people to work closer to home.

Challenges and Considerations for Community Coworking Spaces

Of course, there are some challenges to consider when it comes to coworking spaces:

1. Privacy concerns: Sharing a workspace with others can raise concerns about privacy and confidentiality. While a community-minded ‘good neighbor’ atmosphere often abounds in coworking spaces, it doesn’t guarantee 100% privacy. 
2. Noise levels: Depending on the time of day, open coworking spaces can be noisy, making it difficult for some people to concentrate. However, many coworking spaces do offer dedicated ‘low noise’ rooms or environments to help offset this.
3. Availability: The growing demand for coworking spaces can lead to limited availability, especially in popular locations. Unless a worker pays for their own dedicated space, this can become frustrating.

Frequently Asked Questions about Coworking Spaces

What is the purpose of a coworking space?

The purpose of a coworking space is to provide a flexible, cost-effective work environment for remote workers, freelancers, and small businesses. These spaces offer a sense of community and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

What is the demographic of coworking spaces?

Coworking spaces cater to a diverse range of professionals, including freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small business owners. And while the majority of coworking professionals are younger than 40, you’ll find people from various ages, industries, and backgrounds all working together in these shared spaces.

Why is coworking better than working from home?

Coworking offers several benefits over working from home, such as increased productivity, networking opportunities, and access to resources like meeting rooms and office equipment you may not have at home. It also helps reduce feelings of isolation by providing a social environment where you can connect with others.

Why do people thrive in coworking spaces?

People thrive in coworking spaces because they offer a supportive, community-driven atmosphere that encourages collaboration and innovation. The dedicated workspace helps improve focus and productivity, while the opportunity to network with other professionals can lead to new ideas, partnerships, and growth.

Coworking at Pecan Square by Hillwood

While Pecan Square by Hillwood in Northlake, TX is proud to offer both a thriving lifestyle program and a multitude of industry-best amenities for residents, we’re especially proud of our state-of-the-art coworking space.  Here, community residents have everything they need to be comfortable and productive: fast WiFi, monitors, a workroom complete with printers and copiers, notary services, and lockers to stow gear when it’s time to break for lunch.  Those too busy to leave for lunch can grab refreshments from Jack’s Snacks self-service convenience station right on site.

 If you’re looking for a new home community with a deluxe coworking space built right in, then Pecan Square is for you.  To learn more, stop by The Greeting House for a tour. Our builders have available inventory, and many are offering incentives! Browse for your home online then visit the builder’s models to learn more about special offers.