City face-off: Which tech hubs are leading in-office attendance?

Tech hubs across the United States are battling it out—not just in innovation and growth but also in the race to get employees back into the office. Office attendance has become a litmus test for company culture, local commuting trends, and city dynamics. Using data from the end of Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, we’re breaking down the winners and runners-up in the battle for office foot traffic across major U.S. cities.

Austin vs. Dallas: The Lone Star Showdown

It’s no secret that Austin has been a darling of the tech industry for years, but the city is leaving Dallas in the dust when it comes to office attendance growth. Austin saw a staggering 48% year-over-year increase compared to Dallas’s more modest 16% rise. 

This dramatic gap suggests that Austin’s thriving tech scene and compact city layout may be encouraging employees to return to in-office work. Meanwhile, Dallas, while growing, appears to be navigating a slower transition back to traditional office norms.

Los Angeles vs. San Francisco: The California Clash

Los Angeles and San Francisco are frequently pitted against one another, and the return-to-office trend is no exception. This year’s data tells a surprising story: Los Angeles is leading the charge in California, posting a 47% year-over-year growth in office foot traffic, well ahead of San Francisco’s 27% increase.

Los Angeles is leading the charge, which may reflect its broader base of industries and more car-centric commuting culture. San Francisco’s tech-heavy workforce, on the other hand, might still favor hybrid or remote setups, keeping its numbers lower by comparison.

New York vs. Boston: The East Coast Rivalry

In a classic East Coast face-off, New York and Boston are both showing strong office attendance growth—but Boston edges out the Big Apple with a 42% year-over-year increase compared to New York’s 36%.

Boston’s universities and biotech hubs could be contributing to its rise, while New York’s dominance in finance and media remains a key driver of its rebound. Both cities are clear winners in showing how diverse economies can foster robust office attendance trends.

Which City Takes the Crown?

Every city tells a unique story about office foot traffic trends. Austin takes the title for the most dramatic growth, proving its position as a booming tech hub. Los Angeles isn’t far behind, showcasing resilience in its multi-industry ecosystem. And while Boston edges out New York in percentage growth, both East Coast cities highlight the power of urban economic diversity in driving office attendance.

As we head into the end of the year, these trends may continue to shift. Keep an eye on these cities to see who stays on top—and whether others might start to close the gap.

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This blog is part of our Data Snack Series. Check out our previous posts for more workplace insights, and stay tuned for what’s coming next!