Office Moves Prioritize Commute Time

Office moves like Colliers’ highlight commute time as a key factor in Dallas. Office relocations reflect changing priorities post-pandemic.

March 27, 2026

Jordan B.

Colliers will relocate its Dallas office from Uptown to North Dallas to reduce employee commute times.
The decision aligns with broader trends as companies consider commute times in post-pandemic office moves.
North Dallas offers lower office rents, modern amenities, and proximity to where more employees live.
Other firms, including AT&T, are also moving offices north to adapt to workforce needs and traffic realities.

Key Takeaways

Commute Time Shapes Office Moves

CoStar reports that Colliers will move its Dallas office from Uptown to International Plaza III in North Dallas. The firm aims to shorten employee commute times with this relocation. The move reflects a broader trend tied to return-to-office policies. Companies are rethinking how commuting affects employees and overall business performance.

The new 33,000-ksf lease at International Plaza III places Colliers closer to where many of its 145 employees live, as well as at the center of the region’s evolving commercial activity. This shift comes as average commute times in Dallas-Fort Worth have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels and continue to rise nationally.

Why It Matters

Office moves are increasingly shaped by workforce dynamics and employee needs. Colliers’ Texas Region leader Daniel Taylor said the new location reduces commute times. It also places the firm closer to its business activity. AT&T is also relocating its headquarters from downtown Dallas to the suburbs. The company aims to cut employee travel time. This shift mirrors broader office leasing trends, where activity has recently picked up across major markets.

Line chart showing average commute times from 2010 to 2025, with Dallas-Fort Worth consistently above the national average, reaching about 28 minutes versus 27.3 minutes nationally.

This move underscores the growing influence of commute time when determining office locations, particularly in regions like Dallas-Fort Worth where employment centers are more spread out.

Cost, Amenities, and Workforce Trends

North Dallas offers a clear cost advantage. Rents range from $33 to $36 PSF, well below Uptown’s $46 to $53 PSF. This pricing gap attracts firms seeking to reduce occupancy costs without sacrificing quality.

At the same time, the new office delivers modern amenities. It includes a fitness studio, outdoor seating, and walking trails. These features rival those found in many premier Uptown buildings.

As a result, Colliers joins other real estate firms moving to North Dallas. Mohr Partners and Cresa have already established a presence there. Companies are rethinking location strategies to attract talent and support long-term growth.