We identify a combination of an initially low-diffusivity (autocrine dominated) hydrogel and a 1:1 HSCP:MSC seeding ratio as conducive to enhanced HSC population maintenance. Further, gene expression and serial mechanical testing data suggests that MSC-mediated matrix remodeling is significant for the long-term HSC culture, reducing HSC autocrine feedback and potentially enhancing MSC-mediated paracrine signaling over 7-day culture in vitro. This work demonstrates the design of an HSC culture system that couples initial hydrogel properties, MSC co-culture, and concepts of dynamic reciprocity mediated by MSC remodeling to achieve enhanced HSC maintenance.