How to Choose the Right Coworking Space in Atlanta for Your business

At a basic level, choosing a coworking space in Atlanta is a lot like choosing a coworking space in any other city. The main factors tend to be location, type of office, cost, and atmosphere. Because of Atlanta’s diversity, the coworking scene here offers a variety of coworking styles for different communities and industries in the city. It is important to know and compare your best options before you pick one and make it your professional home.   

Location 

Location is especially important in Atlanta, because the city is sprawling, so an otherwise perfect building can be a terrible pick if it is all the way across town from you. Luckily, the coworking is not focused into a single downtown area. There are clusters in several major professional hubs like Buckhead, Alpharetta, and Cumberland, so you’ll find good options no matter where you live.  

Types of Offices 

There are several types of coworking. Know the difference, because different plans come at different price points and are suitable for different industries and professionals. 

The first one that usually comes to mind is shared coworking space. This was the initial revolt against traditional office spaces. It features open floor plans and a hotel lobby-style setup. While initially it felt like a free for all, more structured coworking spaces have recently become popular. You will typically find meeting rooms, phone booths, and quiet zones, so you can change location based on what you need to get done. Some coworking spaces offer a dedicated desk option, so you don’t have to set up in a new spot every day.  

Full-time private offices typically include a lockable door, 24/7 access, and customizable designs. Some are fully furnished, while others charge monthly rental fees for the furniture or are not furnished at all. These usually come with access to meeting rooms and a business address, though some companies charge extra for the address.  

Part-time private offices offer an in between option. You get a private office for part of the week and full access to shared spaces and the option of booking meeting rooms. The benefit here is that you get an office when you need it without having to pay the price of a full-time one.  

Now that you know the difference, think about what a typical workday looks like for you. If you take phone calls, do deep work, and meet with clients, a private office might be a good fit. If you do creative work or frequently collaborate with other professionals, a shared space plan might work well for you. If you do both, consider a part-time private office plan.  

First Steps 

It helps to make a list of potential spaces. If you need some starters, check out the list at the end of this article. Visit their websites. Visit their locations. Most office spaces have a link on their website to book a tour. If you know someone who works at a space you are interested in, ask them what it’s like. Lots of coworking spaces offer a day pass or hot desk pass. This can be a good way to do a trial run on the commute and to experience the atmosphere, amenities, and community for yourself.  

Basic Needs 

A coworking space that really cares about the productivity of its members should feature janitorial service, air-conditioning (especially in Atlanta), high-speed internet, and printing services. Most coworking options include these things, so if any place on your list does not, cross it off.  

Cost 

If you are looking for a private office, get quotes from a few places. Usually, companies put a starting price on their website, but your actual price varies by size and location in the building.  

For any type of coworking, check and see which amenities are included in a membership and which ones will be added to your monthly bill. Not all coworking memberships are all inclusive, so hidden fees for the amenities you need might factor into your total cost.  

Pros and Cons 

Once you know that your basic professional needs will be covered in any of your remaining spaces, a pros and cons list for each of your options can be a helpful tool. Things that everyone should consider include cost, location, and atmosphere. Other things that are important to some but irrelevant to others include access to public transportation, walkability of the area, lease flexibility, parking availability/cost, amenities, 24/7 access, and networking opportunities.  

Final Decision 

Once you have figured out the actual cost, done a trial run of the space, and made a pros and cons list with your options, the choice is up to you. You know your needs better than anyone else. Pick your best option and go for it! 

1. Lucid Private Offices 

Lucid Private Offices provides intentional workspaces for ambitious professionals to perform to the best of their ability. We offer a variety of plans for a variety of professionals. We have flexible, short-term plans for virtual offices, meeting rooms, and private offices (both part-time and full-time). We have top-tier amenities, such as parking, professional receptionist and mail services, free printing, and on-site IT support. Our white label office spaces are customizable and intentionally free of our own logo or coworking aesthetic so your brand can take center stage. They come with a lockable door and 24/7 access so you can come early, stay late, and shut out the distractions as needed. We pride ourselves on being the best in the business at supporting client-facing professionals, small business owners, corporate teams, and anyone else who values good work and prefers a quiet, upscale environment for deep work, client meetings, and everything in between.  

2. Constellations  

 Constellations offers private offices, field offices, café-style workspaces, and lounges in a historical building in Sweet Auburn. While the coworking membership works on a month-to-month basis, office spaces are rented on a 2-year minimum term. Constellations also hosts company meetings and events such as book launches, private dinners, and small weddings. They offer casual community building events and inspiring presentations. They are dedicated to providing “an inclusive platform of joy and support.” Constellations is geared towards, non-profits, women-owned businesses, writers, academics, and creatives. They only have one location, but it has a unique Atlanta vibe, so it’s worth checking out if you live in the area.  

3. WeWork 

WeWork is a flexible all-access option with locations all around the world. It is a great, slightly more casual option for globetrotting professionals. It is pet-friendly and offers living-room style lounges and common areas with lots of art and inspirational word decor. WeWork also offers private office spaces and phone booths for work that requires privacy. Two person offices start at $550 per month for a 12-month commitment. Coworking plans range from $220 per month to $339 per month depending on what access you want.  

4. Roam 

Roam describes itself as “the ambience of a coffee shop with the polish of a professional office.” Office term flexibility varies by location. It offers private offices starting at $1000 a month with flexible leases and the option of monthly furniture rental. A dedicated desk costs $499 per month. Coworking memberships range from $139 to $299 per month based on how many meeting room hours you need and whether you want guest access, after-hours access, and a mailing address. Roam also offers meeting rooms. There are eight locations in Atlanta, so if you like the coffee shop vibe but want a more permanent workspace, see if there is one near you.