The original capital of America, Philadelphia is notable for its rich history that is on permanent display thanks to several historic landmarks scattered across the city – including, perhaps most notably, Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. But far from living off of its heritage, Philly has grown into an important cultural and commercial centre, with buzzing music, sports and dining scenes, as well as being home to a melting pot of races, traditions and immigrant cultures that add to the vibrancy.
A scenic view across a green public space overlooked by Philadelphia skyscrapers (Photo: Kevin Burkett via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Philadelphia attracts large numbers every year, with many of its young and transient visitors keen to explore the city’s reputation for creativity and entrepreneurism in fields such as financial services, biotech, and health care. For such people, coworking spaces that allow you to access a communal office so you can work in the company of like-minded folk are a real blessing. If you’re seeking this kind of set-up in Philly, we’ve picked out 12 of the best coworking venues the city has to offer.
The Yard
Enjoying a city centre location, The Yard is spread across four floors and has a fully furnished roof deck with views across Philadelphia. Designed for flexible workers or companies who need space but don’t want to commit to a long-term lease, the venue offers 4 different membership plans, with coworking packages starting at $350 per month. There are also day passes available for $35 per day. On-site services and amenities include key card access, a media presentation screen, high speed WiFi, meeting rooms, printing, a modern kitchen with complimentary coffee & tea, bike storage, discounts in neighbourhood shops & eateries, access to The Yard’s digital network via an app, and a wellness program. There’s also a dedicated Art Program which enables a constant rotation of curated works by local and internationally renowned artists to be displayed in The Yard’s own space.
LOCATIONS 21 South 11th Street WEBSITE www.theyard.com
(Photo: The Yard)
NextFab
To access this coworking space, you’ll need a monthly membership, which gives you access to an array of facilities in any of the three locations (South Philly, North Philly and Wilmington, DE). Membership tiers run from $55/month for three days at any location to $299/month for unlimited days at every location and include class credit. You can also add a day pass to any of these membership tiers for $30/day. Some of the notable amenities include studio equipment, usage of tools, workstations, experts on staff, entertainment room, and instruction provided for multiple skill levels.
LOCATIONS 2025 Washington Avenue; 1800 North American Street WEBSITE www.nextfab.com
(Photo: NextFab)
MakeOffices
MakeOffices provides collaborative, open concept workspaces in modern shared offices for freelancers, startups, nonprofits and even some well-known brands such as Nokia. Each of their three Philadelphia spaces offer 24-hour access to furnished offices, fully equipped conference rooms, call booths, wellness rooms, and communal kitchens, complete with unlimited coffee and beer on tap. There are also welcoming common spaces and special networking events for all members. Flexible month-to-month membership packages are ideal for those with fluid working schedules, with rates starting at $300 per month for hot desk access and £35 for day passes.
LOCATION The Boarse; Center City; 17th & Market WEBSITE www.makeoffices.com
(Photo: Joynture)
Joynture
Located in the former home of the old Pearl Arts & Crafts store in the heart of Philadelphia’s Financial District, Joynture hosts a diverse community of startups, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives spanning professions including virtual reality, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, video gaming, and fintech. Open 24/7, the central hub of the space is a café-concept kitchen with complimentary gourmet coffee, sodas, snacks and fresh fruit. Communal areas include desks, café style tables, a ping pong table, a PS4 games console, and plush couches and seats throughout, plus phone booths and conference rooms. Monthly coworking membership starts at $250 per month and day passes are priced at $25 per day (weekdays 9-5 only). Members also have access to networking and educational events and perks through partnerships with local companies such as ZipCar, UPS, and Amazon Web Services.
LOCATION 701 South 7th Street WEBSITE www.joynture.com
(Photo: Joynture)
CityCoHo
Established in 2014, CityCoHo is a community space in central Philadelphia that brings together environmentally conscious entities, emerging technology companies, humanities-focused nonprofits, and creative individuals. The space is made distinctive by its use of reclaimed barn wood tables and other reusable materials, plus high-end ergonomic task chairs and several member perks such as fair trade coffee & tea, and bi-weekly meditation sessions. Membership rates start at $30 for day passes, $100 per week, and $300 per month, all of which include access to high-speed WiFi, standing desks, beanbags, printer/scanner facilities, phone booth, lounge & chill-out area, well-equipped kitchen, bike storage, and library.
LOCATION 2401 Walnut Street WEBSITE www.citycoho.spaces.nexudus.com
(Photo: CityCoHo)
Task Up
Task Up provides affordable turnkey offices, open desks and meeting solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs in an eco-friendly and intimate business environment that facilitates collaborations and individuality. Reinventing the traditional coworking culture by catering to every member providing the tools for success, the space has been designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind, boasting natural light, free coffee, a modern kitchenette and a sound-proof phone booth. Prices for open desks start at $225 and provide 24/7 access, 1-hour meeting room rental, a complimentary guest day pass, and printing credits. All members can enjoy high-speed WiFi, mail handling, and access privileges at affiliated coworking spaces around the world.
LOCATION 104 South 20th Street WEBSITE www.task-up.com
(Photo: Task Up)
The Makerhouse
The Makerhouse is a venue that provides the essential tools, machinery and space for people to transform their woodwork ideas into a reality. Whether you’re a casual DIY enthusiast, an engineer keen to prototype your product, or an absolute novice who’s never held a hammer, the space invites all-comers to hone their skills and fine-tune their wares through workshops and friendly, welcoming coworking access.
LOCATION 3237 Amber Street WEBSITE www.phillymakerhouse.com
(Photo: The Makerhouse)
One Nickel
Housed in the Historic Nickels Building in Philadelphia’s trendy Manayunk district, One Nicklel offers members a flexible and collaborative space where members can co-work, convene or co-market themselves during specified hours. For creative types, there’s the chance to showcase their wares in the venue’s front windows and in a dedicated space near the front entrance. Access works on a day, week or monthly basis, with day passes priced at $20, week passes at $80, and monthly hot desk passes at $200. Amenities include super-fast fibre optic internet, conference room access, member events, and printing/copying services.
LOCATION 4323 Main Street WEBSITE www.onenickelcoworking.com
(Photo: One Nickel)
Thrive
Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s rapidly growing tech community, Thrive provide established companies with modern work amenities, an energetic coworking community and straight-forward payment plans. Brand new, ergonomic workstations complete with comfy chairs and easily adjustable sit/stand Evodesks deliver comfort throughout the entire workday. Membership is priced at $500 per month and includes access to a dedicated workstation, high-speed WiFi, spacious conference rooms, modern work stations, a large café and event space with free tea & coffee, ping pong table, and affordable on-site parking. The venue is also dog-friendly.
LOCATION 444 North 3rd Street WEBSITE www.thrivephilly.com
(Photo: Thrive)
Kismet
Spread across three sleek, modern Philadelphia locations, Kismet gives entrepreneurs, startups, remote workers, and freelancers the opportunity to work, create and collaborate among like-minded folk. They offer four distinct, flexible membership packages, with prices starting at $150 per month for a Community Plan which gives you weekday access for 5 days per month. Day passes are also available for $35 per day. Services and amenities include font desk service, high-speed WiFi, printing & scanning facilities, cosy lounge areas, and coffee & snacks.
LOCATION 12 West Willow Grove Avenue WEBSITE www.kismetcowork.com
(Photo: Kismet)
Indy Hall
Founded in 2006, IndyHall invites freelancers, consultants, remote team workers and others to a community that puts independence and a comradely spirit at the heart of what they do. All of their memberships are flexible and month-to-month, so no being tied down into long term contracts, and you can change your membership level to fit your needs by giving at least a month’s notice. Pricing starts at $30 per month for access one’s day access a month, and day passes are also available for $30 per day. If you use more days than your membership includes, it’s $18 per day. Membership also includes access to an online community list & chat rooms, weekly announcements about events and opportunities, interviews with community members about their experiences, community meals, group activities and field trips throughout Philadelphia.
LOCATION 399 Market Street WEBSITE www.indyhall.org
(Photo: Indy Hall)
Convene
Situated in the city centre and overlooking the picturesque Rittenhouse Square, Convene offers fully-furnished work suites and thoughtfully-designed coworking spaces for freelancers and businesses both large and small. The venue prides itself on its boutique hotel-style qualities, from its design features to its customer service to the standard of food available. Individual ‘Community’ membership packages start at $250 per month and are suitable for corporate travellers, agile project teams, and in-building tenants.
LOCATION Cira Centre at 2929 Arch Street; CityView at 30 South 17th Street; Commerce Square 2001 Market WEBSITE www.convene.com
(Photo: Convene)