Returning to Office: Houston Leads the Nation

HOUSTON –, Houston’s office workers lead the nation in the return-to-office trend which helps to keep Downtown Houston hopping with foot traffic, as stated by a new report.

Houston has been on a winning streak in 2025, ranking No. 1 among 10 top U.S. metros in employee return to office, Downtown Houston+ reported this week.

The Downtown Houston+ organization, citing data from CoStar, said Houston’s office workers consistently outperform their counterparts in 10 other major U.S. cities including: Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Jose, and Washington.

“It makes sense Houston would lead its cohort of major metropolitan areas,” said Kris Larson, President and CEO of Downtown Houston+, the group of organizations that plan, build and manage Downtown Houston. “Houston is a ‘get it done’ kind of place, home to hardworking people. And this trend isn’t just about office workers. As attendance numbers at Downtown’s entertainment, sports and recreational venues demonstrate, Houston’s also a place where people know how to relax, enjoy world class sports and theaters, and have fun.”

The Covid pandemic ushered in a workplace revolution with office workers working at home. Millions of office workers resisted the return to office hours as they were before Covid, even though corporate managers pointed to a decline in collaboration, the troubles with assimilation of new employees and other shortcomings.

Recently many firms began to require employees to report to the office, including JPMorgan Chase, Dell, Amazon, Walmart and federal governmental workers.

In March, Downtown Houston broke its own monthly record for employee recovery at 74.3% of pre-pandemic levels.

Downtown Houston also recorded positive achievements in leasing office space in the Central Business District.

“Positive leasing activity among the legal sector continues with the CBD submarket being a top location for law firms,” the Savills real estate firm said in its first quarter report.

Downtown Houston recorded two significant office leases in the first quarter as the Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP law firm has leased 52,000 SF in Texas Tower and Simpson Thatcher leased 22,000 SF in the JP Morgan Chase Tower.

The Skadden lease lifted the 47-story Texas Tower to 99% occupancy, demonstrating an impressive pace of leasing for a new building that was constructed during the years of the Covid outbreak.

Other downtown market first quarter highlights included Plains All American Pipelines’ renewal and extension of its 259,774-SF lease at Three Allen Center through 2036.

Downtown Houston activity is not limited to Monday through Friday daylight hours.

Placer.ai foot traffic measurement software that shows weekend visitors to Downtown are now at 97% of pre-pandemic levels. “Almost 4 million people attended professional sports events in Downtown last year and there were more than 500 concerts and performances at Downtown venues,” said Larson, “With FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026, plus the Mayor’s bold vision to expand the convention and entertainment campus–and make Houston the first U.S. City to end street homelessness—these positive trends will continue.”