Me and my cofounders are residents at Dogpatch Labs in San Francisco. The experience is awesome. The community feel and support is there, and it's so motivating to be around other startups. The coffee, meeting rooms, Internet, and awesome location on a pier in SF is awesome.
I think these environments are great!
I work there 2 or 3 times a week, otherwise i work out of my home office the whole day banging out code. But there are times you just need human interaction and meeting rooms. It's slightly embarrassing asking people to meet with you at home. Being at dogpatchlabs is much more professional :)
They are selective, and it's not actually free. Prices vary depending on what you need. There are some "scholarship" desks from what I know, which are truly free, but that's yet another program. Get in touch with Ryan Spoon / Polaris for info =) They also have Dogpatch Labs in NY and Boston.
I think these environments are great!
I work there 2 or 3 times a week, otherwise i work out of my home office the whole day banging out code. But there are times you just need human interaction and meeting rooms. It's slightly embarrassing asking people to meet with you at home. Being at dogpatchlabs is much more professional :)