New Jersey Area Codes: A Comprehensive Guide

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the following area codes in New Jersey: 201, 551, 609, 640, 732, 848, 856, 862, 908, and 973. For each area code, this report will cover its history, geographic coverage, and other interesting facts.

Area Code 201/551

History and Geographic Coverage

Area code 201 holds a special distinction as the first area code assigned in the United States. It was originally used for the entire state of New Jersey in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan was created ¹. As New Jersey's population grew and the demand for phone numbers increased, new area codes were added, and the 201 area code was gradually reduced to its current boundaries ³. Today, it serves the northeastern portion of the state, primarily covering most of Hudson and Bergen counties ⁴. Major cities and towns in this region include:

• Jersey City: A major center for finance, with a growing technology sector and a diverse population.
• Hoboken: Known for its historic waterfront, vibrant nightlife, and thriving arts and culture scene.
• Bayonne: Home to significant shipping and transportation industries, with a strong community spirit.
• Hackensack: A major commercial hub with a diverse range of businesses and industries.
• Secaucus: A center for retail and distribution, with a growing residential population.
• Englewood: An affluent suburban city with a strong focus on education and healthcare.

Overlay Implementation

In 2001, area code 551 was added as an overlay to area code 201 ⁴. An overlay is an additional area code that serves the same geographic region as an existing area code ⁵. This means that both area codes are assigned to the same region, allowing for a greater number of available phone numbers without requiring customers to change their existing numbers. The purpose of an overlay is to provide additional numbering resources to accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers ⁵. In the case of area code 551, it was added to meet the increasing demand for phone numbers in northeastern New Jersey ⁶.

Ten-Digit Dialing

With the implementation of the 551 overlay, ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the 201 area code region ⁴. This means that callers must dial both the area code and the seven-digit telephone number for all calls, even local calls ⁴. This change was necessary to ensure that calls are routed correctly and to avoid confusion between the two area codes.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Having a 201/551 area code offers several advantages for businesses and individuals in New Jersey:

• Local Presence: It establishes a strong local presence, which can be beneficial for businesses that want to connect with the community and build trust with customers.
• Credibility: A local area code can enhance credibility and trustworthiness, especially for small businesses or those that rely on local customers.
• Efficient Communication: It can improve communication by making it easier for customers to reach businesses and for businesses to connect with clients and partners.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages:

• Limited Portability: If a business or individual moves outside the 201/551 region, they will need to change their phone number.
• Scam Risk: Scammers may use local area codes to appear more legitimate, so it's important to be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• Area code 201 was the first area code with Direct Distance Dialing (DDD) service ⁴. In 1951, the first direct-dialed long-distance call was made from Englewood, New Jersey to Alameda, California ⁴. This historic event marked a significant milestone in the development of telecommunications technology.
• Area code 201 is also assigned for wireless services in some rate centers in the 973 and 908 numbering plan areas, such as Newark, Morristown, and New Brunswick ⁴. This overlap highlights the interconnected nature of New Jersey's telecommunications network.

Area Code 609/640

History and Geographic Coverage

Area code 609 was created in 1956 when the original 201 area code was split ⁷. It originally served the entire southern half of New Jersey, but in 1999 the southwestern part of the 609 territory was split off with area code 856 ⁷. Today, it serves the central and southern parts of the state, including the cities of Trenton, Princeton, and Atlantic City ⁷.

Overlay Implementation

In 2018, area code 640 was added as an overlay to area code 609 ⁷. This was done to provide additional numbering resources to accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers in the region ⁷.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Having a 609/640 area code offers several advantages for businesses and individuals in New Jersey:

• Local Presence: It establishes a strong local presence, which can be beneficial for businesses that want to connect with the community and build trust with customers.
• Cost-Effective: It can be more cost-effective for businesses, as it eliminates the need for long-distance charges that may apply to calls made to a number with a different area code.
• Marketing: A local area code number can be used as a marketing tool to target customers in the region.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages:

• Confusion: Some customers may be confused by the overlay and may not know which area code to use when dialing a number.
• Scam Risk: As with any area code, there is a risk of scams and fraudulent activities, so it's important to be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• Area code 609 is the largest numbering plan area in New Jersey in terms of geographic coverage ⁷. This extensive coverage reflects the diverse range of communities and industries found in the region.
• The 609 area code is home to the New Jersey State House, the oldest state house in continuous legislative use in the United States ⁸. This historical landmark is a testament to New Jersey's rich history and its role in American democracy.

Area Code 732/848

History and Geographic Coverage

Area code 732 was created in 1997 when the 908 area code was split ⁹. It serves central New Jersey, including Middlesex County, northern Ocean County, and parts of Monmouth and Somerset counties ¹⁰. Major cities in the numbering plan area include Toms River, New Brunswick, Edison, and Piscataway ⁹.

Overlay Implementation

In 2001, area code 848 was added as an overlay to area code 732 ⁹. This was done to provide additional numbering resources to accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers in the region ⁹.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Having a 732/848 area code offers several advantages for businesses and individuals in New Jersey:

• Local Presence: It establishes a strong local presence, which can be beneficial for businesses that want to connect with the community and build trust with customers.
• Improved Customer Service: Using a local phone number for customer service can provide customers with a sense of comfort as they know they are speaking to someone who understands the area.
• Easy to Remember: Local area code numbers can be easier to remember for customers, especially if the business is associated with a specific geographic area.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages:

• Limited Portability: If a business or individual moves outside the 732/848 region, they will need to change their phone number.
• Scam Risk: As with any area code, there is a risk of scams and fraudulent activities, so it's important to be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The 732/848 area code region is home to the Jersey Shore, a popular summer destination with beaches, boardwalks, and amusement parks ¹¹. This coastal region is a major contributor to New Jersey's tourism industry.
• The 732/848 area code region is also home to Rutgers University, the eighth-oldest college in the United States ¹². This prestigious university is a major center for education and research in New Jersey.

Area Code 856

History and Geographic Coverage

Area code 856 was created in 1999 when the 609 area code was split ¹³. It serves southwestern New Jersey, including the Camden, Cherry Hill, and Vineland areas ¹³. Major cities and towns in this region include:

• Camden: A major transportation hub with a growing healthcare and education sector.
• Cherry Hill: A thriving suburban community with a diverse range of businesses and industries.
• Vineland: A historic city with a strong agricultural heritage and a growing manufacturing sector.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Having an 856 area code offers several advantages for businesses and individuals in New Jersey:

• Local Presence: It establishes a strong local presence, which can be beneficial for businesses that want to connect with the community and build trust with customers.
• Cost-Effective: It can be more cost-effective for businesses, as it eliminates the need for long-distance charges that may apply to calls made to a number with a different area code.
• Marketing: A local area code number can be used as a marketing tool to target customers in the region.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages:

• Limited Portability: If a business or individual moves outside the 856 region, they will need to change their phone number.
• Scam Risk: As with any area code, there is a risk of scams and fraudulent activities, so it's important to be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The 856 area code is home to the Adventure Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Northeastern United States ¹⁴. This popular attraction draws visitors from across the region and beyond.
• The 856 area code is also home to the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, a museum and memorial dedicated to the USS New Jersey (BB-62) ¹⁴. This historic landmark is a testament to New Jersey's rich naval history.

Area Code 862/973

History and Geographic Coverage

Area code 973 was created in 1997 when the 201 area code was split ¹⁵. It serves the northernmost part of New Jersey, including the counties of Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex ¹⁵. Major cities in the numbering plan area include Newark, Paterson, Clifton, and Montclair ¹⁶.

Overlay Implementation

In 2001, area code 862 was added as an overlay to area code 973 ¹⁵. This was done to provide additional numbering resources to accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers in the region ¹⁵.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Having an 862/973 area code offers several advantages for businesses and individuals in New Jersey:

• Local Presence: It establishes a strong local presence, which can be beneficial for businesses that want to connect with the community and build trust with customers.
• Cost-Effective: It can be more cost-effective for businesses, as it eliminates the need for long-distance charges that may apply to calls made to a number with a different area code.
• Marketing: A local area code number can be used as a marketing tool to target customers in the region.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages:

• Limited Portability: If a business or individual moves outside the 862/973 region, they will need to change their phone number.
• Scam Risk: As with any area code, there is a risk of scams and fraudulent activities, so it's important to be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The 973/862 area code region is home to the Great Falls of the Passaic River, a National Natural Landmark ¹⁷. This natural wonder is a testament to New Jersey's diverse landscape and its commitment to environmental preservation.
• The 973/862 area code region is also home to the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, a national park preserving the laboratory and home of Thomas Edison in West Orange ¹⁷. This historical site commemorates one of America's greatest inventors and his contributions to technology and innovation.

Area Code 908

History and Geographic Coverage

Area code 908 was created in 1991 when the 201 area code was split ³. It serves central New Jersey, including Union County, Somerset County, Warren County, Hunterdon County, and parts of southern and western Morris County ¹. Major cities in the numbering plan area include Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Bridgewater ¹.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Having a 908 area code offers several advantages for businesses and individuals in New Jersey:

• Local Presence: It establishes a strong local presence, which can be beneficial for businesses that want to connect with the community and build trust with customers.
• Cost-Effective: It can be more cost-effective for businesses, as it eliminates the need for long-distance charges that may apply to calls made to a number with a different area code.
• Marketing: A local area code number can be used as a marketing tool to target customers in the region.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages:

• Limited Portability: If a business or individual moves outside the 908 region, they will need to change their phone number.
• Scam Risk: As with any area code, there is a risk of scams and fraudulent activities, so it's important to be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The 908 area code is home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a national recreation area located along the Delaware River ¹⁸. This scenic area offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and boating.
• The 908 area code is also home to the Watchung Reservation, a nature reserve with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks ¹⁸. This natural oasis provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and offers a chance to connect with nature.