Like many, I have been working from home since the start of the pandemic, and with my move to Oregon, the plan was to continue in this vein. My new house is incredibly rural, and upon realizing how laughable satellite internet is, necessity called for a more reliable form. Co.W is about 45 minutes away, but the most cost effective coworking space option, so they easily won.
They offer a variety of membership options from offices and dedicated desks, to flex seats where you just settle in any available space. All plans offer some conference room access, use of the printer, and even free beverages and snacks. It's easy to sign up online and you enter via the two available doors using your cell phone, so I'd actually used the space for a good few weeks before I ever met the owner. I did have some questions I sent via email, and he always responded promptly.
The interior of Co.W is gorgeous. I don't know what the space used to be, but it's an incredible old building with exposed brick, gorgeous hardwood floor, and even a fireplace! My favorite spot was along a little alcove with a big window and skylight. There is plenty of room with both an upstairs and downstairs space. They have tables where you can stand, or more traditional desks, and the chairs were all quite comfortable. I really enjoyed the culture of Co.W and everyone I met here was so nice and friendly.
Working there, I felt like a very cool urban gal with the convenient downtown and just off the highway location. The whole area is very walkable and I enjoyed many lunch breaks wandering the streets and checking out adorable shops or picking up goodies from excellent eateries and bakeries (Hello Little Cannoli!).
My reason for discontinuing use of Co.W was through no fault of theirs. After working there for about two months, (a maximum of maybe eight days a month), the city notified me that I would be required to purchase a parking pass. Not only that, but the parking pass only allows parking on the roof of the parking garage. Figuring in the cost of the pass with the price of membership, my cheapest coworking option was suddenly much pricier. Adding in gas, wear and tear on my vehicle and so forth, I eventually moved to Alt in McMinnville. Now, if I lived in Salem, Co.W would have absolutely remained my co-working space of choice. I might have found an alternative means of parking, though! read more