Philadelphia is an appealing location for businesses, with a growing economy that, according to The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia , has steadily been enjoying an increase in overall revenue and rates of employment year over year.

Ranking in the top 30 cities for startups globally in 2021, it’s clear why many businesses are looking for office space in Philadelphia. Let Regus help you find your perfect office space in Philadelphia.

Why you should consider office space in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to a wide variety of businesses spanning a range of major industries including technology, finance, and construction. This includes large corporations such as IBM, Comcast, and Day & Zimmermann.

It’s also a hub for small startups and entrepreneurs, with approximately 99.7% of companies in the Philly area being classified as small businesses.

Philadelphia is also a champion of coworking, having adopted coworking early in the 2000s and 2010s when nearly 30 coworking spaces opened in the area. This is showcased by the many different office rentals in Philadelphia, including traditional offices and coworking spaces.

City transportation is made simple with Philadelphia’s public transportation. The Southeastern Pennslyvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is America’s sixth-largest public transit system, providing train, subway, trolley, and bus lines both into and within the city.

The regional rail trains run through many stations throughout the city, connecting commuters to and from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, while the subway system focuses on intercity travel.

This system is divided into two lines; the Market-Frankford Line (MFL)  and the Broad Street Line (BSL).

The MFL is often referred to as the blue line or the El, and travels an east-to-west path, travelling through districts like University City and Fishtown. The BSL, commonly known as the orange line, travels north to south, allowing commuters from both north and south Philadelphia easy access to the centre of the city.

The trolley lines and bus routes also make it easy to travel throughout Philadelphia, both at street level and underground. With eight trolley lines travelling through Center City and over 100 active bus routes, public transportation offers commuters many different ways to get around the city.

Beyond public transportation, the city is connected to major highways, such as Interstate 95, the Schuylkill Expressway, and Roosevelt Boulevard. Thanks to this, Philadelphia makes travelling to and from the city by car relatively simple.

The top business areas in Philadelphia

All cities will have different areas that appeal to various industries, and Philly is no different. Philadelphia boasts a large district in the centre of the city, as well as thriving districts, found near the airport and waterfront.

Read on to find out more about the top business areas in Philly and find inspiration on choosing your new Philadelphia office.

Center City

Center City is the district found in the heart of the city, home to the corporate headquarters of companies like IBM and Comcast. As well as its vibrant tech scene, there are nationally acclaimed restaurants, unique shops, and historic landmarks all found in Center City.

There’s excellent access to public transportation, whether you’re travelling via the train, subway, or bus. There are train stations, such as Jefferson Station and Suburban Station, in Center City, as well as subway stations that allow access to both the city-spanning MFL and BSL.

For those driving, commuters can cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Delaware Expressway, or over the Schuylkill River by crossing the Market St. Bridge. Broad Street leads you straight into the heart of North or South Philadelphia.

If you’re looking for a workspace in Center City, you’ve got plenty of options. First, there’s the Hale Building, located close to prominent landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Alternatively, for sweeping views of the city, there’s the sky-high One Liberty Place centre.

You can also find an office with everything in one place with our Two Logan Square centre, which comes complete with an on-site restaurant. Or, you can opt for the panoramic views found in our 2001 Market Street centre.

University City

University City is located just west of the centre, across Market St. Bridge. As the name suggests, it’s known for its world-class research universities. However, there are also cultural attractions and green spots worth exploring, like the Penn Museum and Penn Park.

This district is great if you’re looking for offices for rent in Philadelphia, thanks to its many diverse commercial office spaces, each available with competitive pricing structures.

University City is well connected to the rest of the city, with many subway stations on the MFL, along with train stations, such as the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. Driving down Market Street will bring commuters in the cat into the Center City district, while the Schuylkill Expressway provides easy access to both the south of Philly and northern areas like Wynnefield Heights.

For an easy commute, there’s the CIRA Center, which connects directly to Amtrak's 30th Street Station. There’s more to the centre than just a simple commute though, as it also features a rooftop park.

Fishtown District

Fishtown District is aptly set on the Delaware River waterfront. It’s surrounded by an active and vibrant creative community, with galleries and studios frequenting Frankford Avenue.

Appealing to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses alike, Fishtown welcomes many independent businesses and the minds behind them.

The district is well connected to the rest of Philly, with the Delaware Expressway coursing through it. There are also many subway stations, with the MFL stopping at Girard Avenue, as well as bus and trolley routes often calling through the area.

Fishtown is an ideal spot to rent office space in Philadelphia, with our 325-41 Chestnut Street centre serving as a fantastic spot. It’s located close to the district and features fantastic river views.

Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport is ideal for businesses that travel a lot or host out-of-town clients.

This central location also boasts convenient transportation links to the rest of the city, thanks to the high-speed train service to Center City and access to the I-76, I-95, and I-476.

Our International Plaza centre is in the heart of the airport, right next to the runways. Featuring world-class facilities, this centre provides an excellent opportunity for businesses seeking temporary office space.

How much is it to rent office space in Philadelphia?

As with any major city, the cost of office space for rent in Philadelphia can vary. These costs vary based on location, size, amenities, and any extra facilities. Some of these include the likes of access to conference rooms or an onsite gym.

The table below grants insight into the cost of Philadelphia office spaces in the different business districts.

Find your perfect office space to rent in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States, home to over 1.5 million people. Thanks to a booming population and its central location on the East Coast, Philly offers companies access to large markets in the city as well as those up and down the coast.

Philadelphia also enjoys good prices and value on office buildings, costing anywhere between half the cost of similar offices in Los Angeles to less than a quarter of the costs of San Francisco offices, according to Commercial Cafe.

With its growing population, booming economy, and innovative culture, Philadelphia has a lot to offer businesses looking for flexible office spaces. Now you know more about this rich and historic city, consider a Philadelphia office space for your business and work your way with Regus.