List: Places to try coworking in the Triangle
Coworking spaces seem to be popping up in all the trendy places these days. And still, I’ve never met a coworking space I didn’t like. No matter the space, there’s something electric about creating good work in an intentional space with others. It’s like, even though everyone in the physical space is driving toward different business goals and unique desired outcomes using diverse skill sets, our general aspirations are the same: to create steady progress, to collaborate with others and to have fun along the way.
Coworking creates an energy that can’t be replicated working from home. Believe me. I’ve tried.
That’s why I’m sharing a roundup of the Triangle’s coworking spaces. Each is unique it what it offers, so I’m calling out a few distinctive characteristics of each so that you can find your own perfect workspace to hunker down and make things happen.
American Underground (Durham): This space is perhaps the Triangle’s most established coworking space. I remember hearing about it 10 years ago while working in a corporate job and thinking about how cool it must be to work in a space like it. In my mind, American Underground truly set the stage for coworking spaces before it became cool.
Blush Cowork (Cary): I have a personal soft spot for working mothers, and this coworking space hits the nail on the head with a mother’s room and affordable, on-site childcare. Plus, everything is pink! As a mom who has logged many hours in coworking spaces and worked long hours in male-dominated industries, I’m particularly drawn to this space and have a membership here.
Coworking Station (Apex + Holly Springs): This is the very first coworking space I used years ago. It has been fun to watch them grow, but the best part is that they choose to give 20 percent of profit back to a selected nonprofit partner.
Industrious (Raleigh + Chapel Hill): Truth be told, I haven’t tried this one yet, but didn’t want to exclude it either. While I don’t have personal experience working here, I noticed that their two locations in Raleigh are conveniently located in downtown and the Chapel Hill location will open this summer.
Nest (Downtown Raleigh): To me, what’s most interesting is the extremely reasonable rates. If you want the coworking experience but don’t want your wallet to cry, this space is for you…plus you get to work in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
Raleigh Founded (Raleigh + statewide): There. Is. A. Wine. Club. Oh, and they also have an office presence in other major N.C. markets (Greensboro, Charlotte, Wilmington…), so membership here would be beneficial if you find yourself roaming the state.
ReCity (Durham): While I haven’t personally visited this site, I love its missional mindset. They also produced a podcast series called JUST that features stories about working with the underserved and amplifying voices of the marginalized.
The Loading Dock (Raleigh + Wake Forest): The character and energy in this space is incredible, and I love that it continues to expand locally – three sites in Raleigh alone. You can also feel good about supporting a veteran-owned company when you work here.
WeWork (Raleigh + Durham): With offices all over the country, this could be a great option if you travel a lot and need some consistency. There’s even a mother’s room for those who are nursing or working with baby in tow. While I haven’t made it to Durham, the Raleigh office is modern, welcoming and has great views of the city.
If you know of a local coworking space that I’ve missed, I’d love to know about it and hear about your experience there! Feel free to connect with me on Instagram or LinkedIn to share.
Stephanie Llorente is a mother of two children and a regular Go Ask Mom contributor. She is the owner of Prep Communications and Restored, a faith-based business that delivers relevant resources and intentional community to working moms.
