Breaking Boundaries: Bobby Murphy on Redefining Greater Boston's Geographic Landscape

When it comes to office space or hybrid work, if anyone knows what businesses are looking for these days, it’s Bobby Murphy. As Workbar’s Director of Sales, Bobby spends his days talking and meeting with companies of all sizes—from solo entrepreneurs to enterprise teams of 100+—and hearing firsthand what they need in a workspace. Companies are not only rethinking how they work but also embracing their employees' growing willingness to cross traditional geographic boundaries. 

We've all seen the meme: "Boston is an hour away from Boston." And if you've sat in traffic, you know it's true. The average motorist traversing Boston spent 79 hours stuck in traffic in 2024. Bobby likely tripled that last year, hopping between Workbar locations to give tours to prospective members. While he still faces challenges convincing decision-makers to explore locations beyond their comfort zone, what used to be a firm "no" is now shifting to a confident "sure, why not."  

Wondering what Bobby’s picked up over the past 12 months? Let’s dive into what he’s seeing as Boston businesses rethink their office space options in real time.

Burlington: Boston’s New Western Hotspot

Forget what you thought you knew—Burlington isn’t a northern suburb anymore. More and more, it's being seen as a western hub for businesses looking for flexibility and convenience. Think about it: it’s only a 7-mile drive from the last Waltham exit to Burlington’s Middlesex Turnpike. So why stay stuck in the gridlock of Waltham when Burlington offers so much more? Why make your employees brave icy roads just to get to Bay Colony this winter? From the Burlington Mall to a steady stream of new restaurants and wellness spots like our Bennies Partners at SweatHouz, it’s no wonder employees are choosing Burlington over Waltham. Bobby sees it all the time—companies want better amenities and happier, more productive teams. Burlington checks those boxes.

In fact, Bobby has countless stories of companies who came in ready to sign at our Needham location but ultimately chose Burlington instead. Why? It’s simple—Burlington offers the kind of amenities and vibrant atmosphere that keep teams energized and productive and it’s only a short distance down the road on Route 128.  It’s where companies realize they can have it all: convenience, comfort, and a culture that supports their growth.  One tech company was initially set on Needham but ultimately signed a suite in Burlington after Bobby encouraged them to experience the drive during peak traffic. They were surprised by how convenient the location was and impressed by the abundance of walkable amenities.  

Woburn: The Underdog Turned Contender

Woburn is becoming the go-to spot for companies looking to escape the congestion of city-adjacent suburbs like Medford and Somerville. Take Workbar’s Unicorn Park location—right off of I-93, it’s just 10 miles from Boston and 25 miles from Salem, NH. That makes it a dream for companies with employees scattered from the South Shore to New Hampshire. Bobby hears it straight from the source: people love how easy it is to get there. No downtown headaches, plenty of free parking, and great places to grab lunch or coffee. It’s just plain convenient.  Workbar Woburn offers more team coworking space than any other Workbar location. If your team wants to meet a few days a week and work in a way that suits them best, Workbar Woburn is the perfect fit.

Salem: Flexibility in Action

We can't forget about our own CEO, Sarah. She’s living proof that flexible workspaces work. Living in Hingham and spending every Wednesday at our Salem location, Sarah shows how easy it is to stay productive without being chained to a traditional office. Her routine is a real-life example of how Workbar’s locations fit into busy lives 

Nestled in the heart of Salem, this location offers the friendliest and homiest vibe in the Workbar network, making it the perfect spot to focus, connect, and get things done. Salem itself is a gem of the North Shore—a vibrant, historic city that’s ideal for professionals who want to work closer to home without sacrificing access to a dynamic community. Whether you’re leading a team, managing carpool duty, or both, Workbar Salem is here to fit seamlessly into your busy life. 

Arlington: Convenience + Work, Life AND Play

It’s not just day-to-day flexibility driving the shift in demand—companies are also prioritizing the ability to scale up or down with ease. More and more companies are leaving Cambridge behind and turning to our Arlington location. Why? It’s just four miles away but offers far more: closer proximity to where employees live (especially if it’s at The Artemis), greater accessibility (hello MBTA bus stop in front of the building), or you can bike to work on the Minuteman Trail while making a pitstop at the Kickstand Cafe, and have the freedom to adjust space as needed—without availability restrictions or sudden price hikes. 

And the cherry on top? Arlington Brewing Company is opening right behind us this summer. The truth is, a Cambridge address isn’t as valuable as a workspace that actually works for your team. Whether you’re coming from Somerville, Medford, or beyond, the commute to Arlington is easy—arguably better than the subway!

Where Work Is Going Next

Here’s the bottom line: companies are done forcing themselves into traditional office hubs like Waltham or downtown Boston. They’re looking for spaces that make sense for their teams—places that are easy to get to, packed with amenities, and supportive of flexible work. Whether it’s avoiding brutal traffic, enjoying better amenities, or simply choosing a spot that makes work-life balance easier, businesses are realizing they have options.

And when you soak up all the credit as your team thanks you for prioritizing their needs, don’t worry—your secret’s safe with us. Bobby’s happy to let you shine… as long as you send your friends his way! 😉