Office Visits Spike in Key Markets: What It Means for Businesses

Bar chart showing office visits spike comparison between August 2025 and August 2019.

Understanding the Surge in Office Visits

Recent data reveals that cities like Chicago and San Francisco are witnessing a notable resurgence in office visits. This trend, tracked by Placer.ai, has shown a significant year-over-year increase of 12.1% in Chicago and 10.2% in San Francisco since August last year, surpassing the average of key U.S. metropolitan areas. While Boston came close with a 3.1% increase, most major cities have struggled to keep pace. For example, Miami and New York exhibited weaker growth, reflecting broader national trends.

So, what is driving this recovery? In San Francisco, the uptick in office visits is attributed to a thriving AI sector, where increased hirings and leasing activities signal a vibrant tech landscape. Conversely, Chicago’s growth raises questions about sustainability, with experts urging caution regarding whether this momentum can be maintained long-term.

The Broader Context: National Trends

Despite the positive news from Chicago and San Francisco, 2025 overall shows a decrease in office visits across many urban areas, amounting to a 34.3% decline compared to August 2019. Contributing factors include seasonal vacation patterns and calendar variations, which may skew these figures. New York City, for example, recorded a significant 16% decrease as fewer business days in August hindered recovery efforts.

This stark contrast between recovery leaders like Chicago and San Francisco and laggards like New York and Miami highlights a dynamic and changing commercial real estate landscape. As businesses re-evaluate their strategies post-pandemic, understanding these shifts will be essential for navigating future opportunities.

Commercial Real Estate Investment & Development

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Office Visits Spike in Key Markets: What It Means for Businesses

Understanding the Surge in Office Visits

The Broader Context: National Trends

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