The Ohio office market has evolved: hybrid work, coworking, and flexible leases let companies retain downtown visibility in Cincinnati and Cleveland while moving cost-sensitive operations to suburbs or shared spaces. A split-location strategy can cut expenses and preserve client access but requires careful coordination to avoid duplicated overhead. Small firms may prefer a single flexible office, while growing companies benefit from a downtown hub plus satellite sites.
Ohio's office market has changed - but downtowns still matter
Cincinnati and Cleveland remain primary hubs for Ohio businesses, but the office market today looks different than it did two decades ago. Remote and hybrid work, flexible leases, and coworking options have reshaped demand. Still, many companies keep a presence in downtown cores for visibility, client access, and recruitment.Why companies split locations
Many firms maintain a corporate address or small headquarters in the city while placing larger operations, back-office teams, or distribution centers in lower-cost suburbs and nearby towns. That approach reduces overall occupancy costs while preserving the image and conveniences of a city address.This split can help companies be more efficient: they use central offices for client meetings, hiring, and executive work and use satellite sites for cost-sensitive functions. The model also supports hybrid teams that come into the downtown office for collaboration and work remotely otherwise.
Costs and trade-offs
Running multiple locations means multiple bills: rent, utilities, IT, payroll administration, and travel between sites. Those overheads can offset savings from cheaper suburban rents unless a company plans and coordinates operations tightly.Companies that succeed with a split model standardize processes, centralize accounting and HR where possible, and use technology to reduce duplication. Many also favor flexible lease terms and shared-office arrangements to scale space up or down quickly.
New options: coworking and flexible leases
Coworking providers, executive suites, and short-term leases are now common in Cincinnati and Cleveland. These options let firms maintain a downtown presence without long-term capital commitments or the cost of fully staffed urban offices. They also support occasional on-site client meetings or team gatherings without the overhead of a large, permanent space.When the split approach works best
A split-location strategy fits organizations that need a professional central address but want to control personnel and real-estate costs. It suits growing businesses that require a client-facing city hub alongside operationally focused suburban locations.However, very small businesses with limited staff may find a single, flexible downtown or coworking office more efficient. Likewise, firms that depend on constant in-person collaboration may prefer to concentrate teams in one office.
Practical steps for decision-makers
- Audit which functions require face-to-face presence and which can run remotely.
- Compare total operating costs of one full-service downtown office versus a downtown hub plus satellite sites.
- Factor in recruitment, client access, and travel time when evaluating locations.
- Explore coworking and short-term leases to maintain flexibility.