What's the Hype Around Industrious?

Industrious keeps coming up in every "best coworking NYC" conversation. With 25+ locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, they're everywhere. But are they actually worth the premium price tag?

Here's the thing: Industrious isn't trying to be WeWork. They're not about ping pong tables and beer on tap. They're positioned as the "professional" alternative — think hotel vibes instead of startup culture. But does that justify the cost?

What Industrious Actually Costs

Industrious doesn't publish prices online. Red flag? Maybe. They want you to "contact for pricing" which usually means it's expensive. Based on member reports and our research, here's what people are actually paying:

• Hot Desk: $400-550/month (varies by location)
• Dedicated Desk: $600-800/month
• Private Office (1-person): $1,200-1,800/month
• Private Office (2-4 people): $2,500-4,500/month

Compare that to WeWork's $200-300/month hot desks or Spaces' $119/month option. You're paying 2-3x more. So what do you get for that premium?

What Makes Industrious Different (According to Members)

The Design Actually Matters
Industrious spaces look like boutique hotels, not startup offices. Comfortable lounge seating, natural lighting, plants everywhere. Members on Reddit consistently mention this: "It feels like working in a nice hotel lobby." If you're bringing clients, appearances matter. Industrious delivers on that front.

It's Quiet
This is the biggest difference from WeWork. No startup bros pitching investors at full volume. No "team building" events you didn't ask for. Members say it's consistently quiet and professional. Perfect if you take client calls or need to concentrate. Not great if you're looking for networking events and social energy.

Reception Services Actually Work
Every location has dedicated staff at the front desk. They handle mail, greet your clients, manage meeting room bookings. WeWork has staff too, but reviews suggest Industrious staff are more responsive. One member noted: "My WeWork's front desk was always empty. At Industrious, someone's always there."

Meeting Rooms Don't Require a PhD to Book
Members consistently praise the meeting room booking system. You get a certain number of hours included with your membership (varies by plan). The rooms actually have decent AV equipment that works. And crucially, rooms are usually available when you need them — unlike WeWork where peak times are a booking nightmare.

What Reddit Users Actually Say

Real feedback from r/coworking and r/nyc threads about Industrious:

When Industrious Actually Makes Sense

You Meet Clients Regularly
If you're a consultant, lawyer, or anyone who brings clients to your office, Industrious is designed for this. The spaces are impressive and the meeting rooms work properly. First impressions matter, and Industrious delivers.

You Need Actual Quiet
WeWork and The Yard have energy and community — which means noise. If you're on calls all day or need deep focus time, Industrious's professional atmosphere is worth the premium. Members consistently mention the quiet as a major selling point.

Your Company is Paying
If you're expensing it, go for Industrious. The quality-of-life improvements are real. Better coffee, better furniture, better meeting rooms. When it's not your money, the cost difference doesn't matter.

You Value Service Over Community
Industrious focuses on service, not networking events. If you prefer productive workspace over startup mixers, this is your brand. You won't make random founder friends, but you also won't be interrupted by "surprise happy hours."

When It's NOT Worth It

You're a Solo Freelancer Watching Every Dollar
Paying $400-550/month for a hot desk is tough to justify when Spaces is $119/month or The Farm is $179/month. Unless you're billing clients enough to make the premium worthwhile, cheaper options deliver 80% of the value at 30% of the cost.

You Want Community and Networking
Industrious is designed to be quiet and professional. That means fewer spontaneous conversations and networking opportunities. WeWork, The Yard, and Nomadworks are better for meeting people and finding collaborations.

You Rarely Use the Space
If you're only working from coworking 1-2 days a week, day passes make more sense. Industrious doesn't really do day passes (or makes them expensive). You'd be paying for a full membership you don't fully use.

The Verdict: Who Is Industrious Actually For?

Industrious is the premium option in NYC coworking. You're paying for design, service, quiet, and professionalism. If those things matter to your work — and you can afford it — members consistently say it's worth the cost.

But if you're a bootstrapping freelancer or startup, there's no shame in going with more affordable options. WeWork gives you 74 locations for half the price. Spaces is basic but functional at $119/month. The Farm has character and community for under $200/month.

The real answer: Try day passes at multiple spaces before committing. What works for a consultant meeting clients differs from what a developer needs for deep work. Industrious excels at certain things — but only you know if those things matter enough to justify the premium.

Industrious Locations in NYC

Industrious has 25+ locations across NYC, with heavy concentration in:

• Manhattan: Midtown, Financial District, SoHo, Tribeca, Union Square, Chelsea, Hudson Yards
• Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Crown Heights, Park Slope

Browse all Industrious locations and compare with other brands to find the right fit for your needs.