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Nowadays, an area code is not just a three-digit identifier that appears before a phone number. It could be an important part of the identity of a city and its residents, providing a source of pride and recognition.

Certain area codes have become cultural symbols, frequently referenced in media, music, and even fashion.

Some represent prestige, exclusivity, and success. Those who own them are the envy of others, and those who don’t are ready to pay a premium to get hold of them.

So, what are the most recognized and in-demand area codes in America? Let’s take a look.

The Most Popular Area Codes in the US

The area code system we know today was introduced by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company under the North American Numbering Plan. This originally included 86 three-digit codes, assigned as one each for a numbering plan area.

These were generated based on a pre-determined system applied to this date. For example, the numbers one and zero are not used at the beginning of an area code. And codes with nine in the second position are reserved for future use. You can use reverse phone lookup tools (like this one) to find the details for all these numbers.

Over the years, more area codes have been added to serve the growing demand for phone numbers. In total, there are now 335 such codes.

Highly populated cities have more than one area code, and certain numbers are assigned based on non-geographic factors.

But area codes are not only valued for their utility purpose. Certain ones are favored by Americans for their social appeal. And the more rare they are, the higher the price they are able to demand.

So, what are the most preferred area codes assigned to US cities?

212

Assigned to Manhattan, New York City, this is arguably the most sought-after area code in the US right now. Its popularity is mainly due to the prestigious neighborhoods it represents.

Manhattan is known for its upmarket properties and well-connected residents. The city’s reputation as one of the major financial, entertainment, and social hubs of the world has made it a highly desirable place to live.

This has naturally created a higher demand for the 212 area code. According to Nuwber, it is already used by over 1.2 million phone numbers—an impressive figure by any measure.

Unfortunately, getting your hands on a 212 number is extremely difficult and may involve a premium price. Because of the status attached to this area code, those who own it are reluctant to give it up, even when they move out of New York City.

213

This area code represents Los Angeles.

213 is one of the original codes issued under the North American Numbering Plan, and it is highly favored by Los Angeles residents to this date.

Home to over 3.8 million people, the city is the second-largest in America. The sunny weather and a vibrant social scene that welcomes cultural diversity have led to an influx of people into its neighborhoods over the past few decades. A thriving movie industry has played a key role in this, too. And the city’s growing population seems to prefer the original 213 area code.

As a result, it has gone through five splits with several overlays since it was first assigned in the 1940s.

In November 2024, 213 and 323 will get a new overlay—738. With this, the city will have 11 area codes in total, the highest in the US.

312

Chicago, Illinois, currently has several area codes—from 312 and 708 to 773 and 872. Of these, 312 is the most recognized. It was introduced first for Chicago and its suburbs in 1947 as part of the original numbering plan.

The area code 708 came into use in the suburbs in 1989 to cater to the city’s increasing number of residents. 1996 saw another split with 773, this time for 708. Then, in 2009, 312 and 773 were overlaid with 872.

Chicago’s emergence as a commercial hub and its attractive amenities and services have all contributed to the city’s expanding population. Today, it is the third most populous city in the US, which explains the rising demand for area codes.

Despite the introduction of several codes, 312 remains a favorite, almost becoming a cultural icon for Chicago. For many, it is a symbol of pride that unifies locals with a sense of community.

415

San Francisco, California, uses the 415 area code.

When it was first introduced in 1947, the code was allocated to central California. Later, in 1950, it was geographically reassigned and has since gone through three splits—in 1959, 1991, and 1997.

However, demand for area codes in San Francisco continued to increase, mainly buoyed by the economic boom in the Bay Area. As a result, an overlay was finally introduced with 628 in 2015.

Despite that, demand for 415 has not waned. It has become a highly desirable area code for individuals and businesses alike.

It signals prestige and success for the lucky few who own it, and it is instantly recognized not just by San Francisco residents but even by those from other cities.

702

This was the area code of the state of Nevada until 1998, when it was reassigned exclusively to Las Vegas.

The city’s vibrancy and exuberance have certainly had an influence on 702’s skyrocketing popularity, making it one of the most recognized area codes in the US.

Although it was overlaid by 725 in 2014, the 702 area code continues to be an iconic three-digit representing Las Vegas.

However, unlike the other codes discussed in this article, 702 numbers are still available for those who want to own one.

To Recap

The numbering plan introduced by AT&T in 1947 has expanded over the years to include 335 area codes for the US.

Some of these three-digit codes have made quite an impression on their users, becoming celebrated cultural symbols and representing status and recognition.

Manhattan’s 212, Los Angeles’ 213, Chicago’s 312, San Francisco’s 415, and Las Vegas’ 702 are among the most popular area codes in America.

Coincidentally, these are all part of the original North American area codes. Many are no longer easy to obtain, making them some of the in-demand codes for individuals and businesses.