Whether you’re a freelancer, a job seeker, a fledgling entrepreneur or a start-up innovator, you might need access to a workspace without the cost and stress of renting your own office.
A recent estimate by Forbes magazine put the number of coworking spaces around the world at nearly 14,000 outposts offering a range of support services along with a space to do your thing.
In Pittsburgh, demand for coworking spaces keeps on growing. New and existing outlets are adding amenities such as free beverages (even local beer on tap at one spot), along with perks like meditation spaces and video gaming. With so many new options being offered, we’ve updated our guide to the city’s best spots for creating. (If we missed yours, feel free to add in the comments below.)
Here are 15 worth checking out:
Where: Downtown
One PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
How much: Starts at a pricey $446 per month for a desk in a shared space. Private offices start at $603.
Why: The view from the 31st floor is spectacular and inspiring. Free amenities include printing, a relaxation room, and a coffee bar and lounge featuring Commonplace Coffee and La Gourmandine pastries. And your clients and potential investors will be impressed by your classy digs.
Where: Downtown
239 Fourth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
How much: Memberships start at $350 per month for shared spaces and $550 per month for private offices.
Why: Amenities include telephone rooms and a casual living room environment. Club Level also offers reciprocity access at sites in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, and the option to scale up membership levels at discounted prices.
Where: North Side
100 S. Commons, Pittsburgh PA 15212
How much: Flexible desks start at $75 for 10 visits per month; offices start at $800 per month.
Why: The 50,000 square feet of open space provides a roomy and collegial atmosphere, with amenities such as private phone booths, a lounge with a ping-pong table, and convenient access to La Prima.
Where: East Liberty
6425 Living Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
How much: Memberships start at $220, office space at $500.
Why: Want to go for a walk or hop on a bike during a work break? Mellon Park is nearby, as are plenty of shops and restaurants. Spaces emphasizes its global connections — it was founded in Amsterdam and has sites in London, Helsinki, Tokyo and many other international cities — and encourages networking and the exchange of ideas.
Where: East Liberty
5740 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh PA 15206
How much: The basic rate of $75 gets you two days per week each month; unlimited access is $200.
Why: Stack bills itself as a coworking lounge, with all workspaces shared. There’s all-you-can-drink coffee and for break time, escape pods including an HTC Vive virtual reality play area.
Where: Downtown
606 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15222
How much: Coworking memberships start at $99, office spaces at $299 per month.
Why: Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s business district, Level Office is close to public transportation and is open 24 hours. The espresso bar and a selection of local beers on tap are free.
Where: East Liberty, New Kensington, Downtown
6401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh PA, 15206; 6101 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15206; 701 Fifth Ave., New Kensington, 15068; 208 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh PA 15222
How much: Flex seating starts at $125 per month, private offices at $350.
Why: With four locations and a new space slated to open later this year at Terminal Way on the South Side, The Beauty Shoppe offers 24/7 access every day of the year. Membership is good at all locations, with amenities including sound-resistant phone booths and free coffee, tea and water.
Where: Point Breeze
6901 Lynn Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
How much: E-mail thexfactory.pgh@gmail.com for rates.
Why: The décor is Rust Belt chic: exposed red brick, concrete and huge windows. The space is enormous at 250,000 square feet, and currently includes a tech shop and space for light industrial manufacturing.
Where: Downtown
945 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15219
How much: Rate is $300 for a full membership.
Why: Founded by Eve Picker, Bruno Works bills itself as a “workspace for tiny little start-ups.” It offers proximity to Downtown businesses and a space that features hardwood floors and natural lighting.