(credit: blankspaces)

The digital age has given rise to legions of freelancers, start-ups and telecommuters. While working from a coffee shop or home is convenient, it lacks the collaboration and office amenities that a traditional workspace provides. Coworking spaces serve as a middle ground between traditional workplaces and the solitude of a home office. They give mobile workers a reason to get out of their pajamas and into productivity mode without the huge rental expense of traditional office space.

There is also the benefit of shared common areas, such as conference rooms and kitchenettes stocked with a variety of caffeine delivery systems. Office equipment, WiFi, workshops/events and use of their address for your business mail are typically part of the deal. A variety of workspaces are available to suit your budget and space needs.

The biggest perk of coworking is the built-in community of talented people. There are so many opportunities to network, share expertise, refer business and spark inspiration with “coworkers” from a variety of industries.

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NextSpace

9415 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 606-2716
nextspace.us

This hip coworking space is in Downtown Culver City, the epicenter of the area’s great restaurants, bars and more. They offer one of the most impressive lists of amenities, including Zip Car membership and member happy hours. NextSpace welcomes members from a variety of industries, including software, design, legal, architecture and marketing.

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Indie Desk

816 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA. 90014
(213) 221-2836
www.indiedesk.com

Indie Desk offers 2,000 square feet of coworking space just blocks from the Fashion District, Historic Core and Financial Districts. Members love the eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and residences located within walking distance.

(credit: blankspaces.com)

Blankspaces

5405 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 330-9505
www.blankspaces.com

Just because you work for yourself, it doesn’t mean you have to work by yourself. That’s what Blankspaces believes. Located in the Mid-Wilshire area, they offer a modern communal place to work, collaborate and get inspired on your own scheduling terms.

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Kleverdog Coworking

418 Bamboo Ln
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 924-8463
kleverdogcoworking.com

Kleverdog attracts start-ups and freelancers that thrive in an open environment. Members love their reasonable prices and Chinatown location, offering a variety of restaurant options within walking distance.

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Coloft

920 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-3366
www.coloft.com

CoLoft is so cool, they came up with their own term to describe coworking in their space: “Colofting.” They have more than 6,000 square feet of space with all the office amenities you could wish for, including organic coffee/tea, ergonomic chairs and 22- and 23-inch monitors. You’ll love its proximity to the beach and 3rd Street Promenade.

Joy Bitonio has the phrase “Joie de Vivre” tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.