Working remotely offers plenty of freedom, but your home, hotel room, or kitchen table isn't always the best place to stay productive. Distractions add up, video calls can be difficult, and sometimes you simply need a change of scenery.
Fortunately, Charleston offers plenty of options for remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and traveling professionals looking for a comfortable place to get work done.
From dedicated coworking spaces to coffee shops and libraries, here are some of the best places to work remotely in Charleston, SC.
1. Coworking Spaces in Charleston
If you need a reliable place to get serious work done, a dedicated coworking space is one of the best options in Charleston.
Unlike coffee shops, hotel lobbies, or other public spaces, coworking spaces are designed specifically for the workday. You don't have to search for an outlet, worry about unreliable WiFi, or wonder whether the table next to you will suddenly get loud during an important call.
At The Work Society Charleston, remote workers have access to high-speed WiFi, comfortable work areas, private phone booths, meeting space, complimentary coffee and tea, and 24/7 access for members.
Located in West Ashley, The Work Society is convenient for professionals coming from Downtown Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant.
Whether you need a workspace for the day or somewhere you can work regularly, coworking in Charleston provides the professional environment of an office without the commitment of a traditional office lease.
Best for: Full workdays, remote workers, client calls, meetings, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who need a consistent place to focus.
2. Charleston Coffee Shops
Charleston has no shortage of coffee shops, and they can be a great option when you only need to work for an hour or two. If you're not sure where to start, the Charleston Area CVB's coffee guide to Charleston is a helpful place to find local favorites.
Grab a coffee, open your laptop, and knock out emails or lighter tasks while enjoying a change of scenery. Coffee shops are especially useful if you're traveling and need somewhere to work between meetings or appointments.
However, they aren't always ideal for a full workday. Seating and outlets may be limited, WiFi can vary, and background noise can make phone calls and Zoom meetings difficult.
Best for: Emails, casual work sessions, and short periods of focused work.
3. Charleston County Public Libraries
Libraries are another good option when you need a quiet place to work without spending money.
Many branches of the Charleston County Public Library provide WiFi, tables, seating, and a much quieter environment than the average coffee shop. They're particularly useful when you need a few uninterrupted hours to read, write, research, or catch up on administrative work. Check the library's website for branch locations and current hours before you go.
The tradeoff is that libraries aren't designed specifically for remote professionals. Taking calls or holding virtual meetings can be difficult, and hours may not always line up with your work schedule.
Best for: Quiet individual work, studying, writing, and research.
4. Hotel Lobbies and Common Areas
If you're visiting Charleston for business, don't overlook your hotel lobby or common areas.
Many hotels offer comfortable seating and WiFi, making them a convenient alternative to working from your room. They can also provide a more professional atmosphere if you simply need somewhere to answer emails or work on your laptop.
For longer workdays, though, hotel common areas can become uncomfortable or distracting. Privacy is also limited when you're discussing business with clients or coworkers. If you need a quieter spot for calls while you're in town, a day at a coworking space can fill the gap.
Best for: Business travelers who need a convenient workspace for a few hours.
5. Outdoor Spaces Around Charleston
One of the benefits of working remotely in Charleston is the ability to occasionally take your work outside.
Charleston's parks, waterfront areas, and public spaces can be great places to answer emails, brainstorm, read, or take a break from sitting indoors.
Of course, outdoor work comes with some obvious limitations. South Carolina heat, humidity, glare, unreliable internet access, and a lack of power outlets can quickly make an outdoor office less practical.
Best for: Light work, reading, brainstorming, and taking a productive break outdoors.
Why Remote Workers Choose Coworking Instead of Working From Home
Working from home sounds perfect until home and work start becoming the same place.
A dedicated workspace can create separation between your personal and professional life. You arrive with a purpose, get your work done, and leave when you're finished.
For remote workers, a Charleston coworking space can offer:
- Fewer household distractions
- Reliable, high-speed internet
- A professional environment for calls and meetings
- Comfortable workspaces designed for longer work sessions
- Opportunities to work around other professionals instead of spending every day alone
- A clearer separation between work time and home time
For freelancers and entrepreneurs, coworking can also provide some of the energy and community of a traditional office without requiring a traditional office lease.
Looking for a Place to Work Remotely in Charleston?
There isn't one perfect workspace for every situation.
If you need to answer a few emails, one of Charleston's coffee shops may be all you need. If you're looking for silence, try your local library branch. If you're traveling, your hotel lobby might get the job done.
But if you need a reliable, professional place where you can comfortably spend the entire workday, The Work Society Charleston provides a flexible workspace built specifically for getting work done.
Remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and other professionals can work in a comfortable environment with the amenities they need without committing to a traditional office.
Try The Work Society Charleston Free for a Day
Come experience the space for yourself. Claim a free day pass and see whether coworking makes your remote workday a little easier.
