The Ultimate Guide to Coliving and Coworking: How to Find Your Ideal Space
In the digital nomad lifestyle, finding the right balance between work and play is essential. As remote work becomes more popular, digital nomads are increasingly seeking spaces that allow them to combine both efficiently. Coliving and coworking spaces are designed to provide exactly that — a community-oriented environment where remote workers can live, work, and thrive.
But with so many options out there, how do you find the perfect space for you? In this ultimate guide to coliving and coworking, we’ll break down the different types of spaces available, their benefits, and how to choose the best fit for your work and lifestyle.
What is Coliving and Coworking?
Before diving into specifics, let’s clarify what coliving and coworking are.
Coliving: This is a form of shared housing where people live together in a communal space. The idea is to foster community, collaboration, and a sense of belonging while enjoying the benefits of shared living, which can be more affordable and enriching.
Coworking: A coworking space is a shared office environment where remote workers and freelancers come together to work independently but within the same physical space. These spaces often come with amenities like fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and event spaces, all designed to support remote work.
When combined, coliving and coworking offer the perfect solution for digital nomads who want to live and work in a community-focused environment, eliminating the need to search for separate accommodations and workspaces.
The Benefits of Coliving and Coworking
1. A Built-In Community
One of the biggest draws of coliving and coworking is the community aspect. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a remote worker, it can be lonely working from home, especially when you’re traveling. Coliving spaces bring together like-minded individuals from all over the world, fostering connections, collaborations, and friendships.
In a coworking space, you’ll also have the chance to meet others who are in similar lines of work, making it easier to network and even collaborate on projects. Many coworking spaces host regular events, workshops, and social hours, ensuring you always have opportunities to connect with other professionals.
2. Convenience and Flexibility
Coliving and coworking spaces typically provide all-inclusive packages, where your rent covers utilities, cleaning services, internet, and sometimes even meals. This is perfect for digital nomads who want to simplify their living situation. No more hunting for apartments, dealing with utility bills, or worrying about unreliable Wi-Fi—everything is taken care of.
Additionally, many coliving and coworking spaces operate on flexible terms, which is ideal for nomads who might not want to commit to long-term leases. You can book a spot for as little as a week or as long as several months.
3. Productivity and Focus
Coliving spaces are designed to support a productive lifestyle. In a good coliving community, people understand that work comes first. While you’ll have plenty of opportunities for socializing and relaxation, you’ll also find quiet spaces to focus and get your work done.
Coworking spaces are built specifically for productivity. These spaces provide ergonomic furniture, fast internet, and a quiet, professional environment to help you stay focused. Many coworking spaces have different zones, like quiet zones for focused work and collaborative zones for brainstorming sessions or team projects.
Different Types of Coliving and Coworking Spaces
1. Digital Nomad Retreats
If you’re looking for an immersive experience where you can not only work but also unwind and network, a digital nomad retreat might be for you. These retreats are typically organized in exotic or popular nomad destinations and combine coliving and coworking with activities like excursions, group meals, and workshops.
Example: The Offsite is a popular brand offering coliving and coworking trips around the globe. By organize surf lessons and activities the aim is to foster a sense of community and network far away from home.
2. Boutique Coworking Spaces
These spaces focus on providing a high-end experience with more personalized services, including private offices, meeting rooms, and specialized amenities like gym access, wellness programs, or even concierge services.
Example: The Workary in Cape Town offers a cozy yet professional environment for digital nomads, with private offices, high-speed internet, and a tight-knit community.
3. Budget-Friendly Coworking Spaces
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to experience coliving and coworking, look for more affordable options that focus on providing basic amenities. While they may not offer luxury services, they still provide a community and professional environment that supports remote work.
Example: Coworksurf in Portugal provides affordable coworking spaces with flexible memberships. Many budget-conscious nomads find spaces like this ideal for long-term stays while keeping costs low.
4. Luxury Coliving Spaces
For those who want to take their work-life balance to the next level, luxury coliving spaces offer premium accommodation, full amenities, and often feature breathtaking views, luxury interiors, and extra services such as housekeeping, concierge, and private chefs.
Example: Zoku in Amsterdam offers a beautiful, sustainable coliving experience with thoughtfully designed spaces to help you feel at home, combined with collaborative workspaces and community events.
How to Find Your Ideal Coliving and Coworking Space
With so many options available, how do you find the perfect space for you? Here are a few tips to help you make the best choice:
1. Identify Your Priorities
Start by listing what matters most to you: Do you need a quiet, focused space for work? Or are you more interested in a social, community-driven environment? Consider your budget, desired amenities, and the type of experience you want (relaxing retreat or active city hub).
2. Research and Reviews
Once you’ve identified what you’re looking for, dive into reviews and testimonials from previous guests. Websites like Nomad List, Coworker, and Coliving.com offer user reviews that can give you an honest look at what each space offers.
3. Look for Flexibility
Many coliving and coworking spaces operate on flexible terms, so you can test them out for a short period before committing to a longer stay. This allows you to get a feel for the community, facilities, and overall vibe.
4. Join Online Communities
There are online communities dedicated to digital nomads and remote workers, such as Nomad List, Facebook groups, or Slack channels, where people share recommendations for coliving and coworking spaces. These communities can be invaluable for getting real-time advice.
Conclusion: A New Way of Living and Working
Whether you’re an aspiring digital nomad or a seasoned remote worker, coliving and coworking spaces offer a fantastic way to create a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. By combining work, travel, and community, these spaces give you the opportunity to meet people, explore new destinations, and grow both professionally and personally.
Finding the ideal coliving and coworking space is all about understanding your needs and preferences. With the right environment, you can not only thrive in your remote work but also make meaningful connections and experience the world in ways that traditional work environments can’t offer.
