The 213 area code is one of the most iconic and well-known area codes in the United States. It is especially recognized for covering the central region of Los Angeles, California. Whether you’re a local resident, a business owner, or someone trying to reach contacts in this area, understanding the 213 area code and its history is useful.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the 213 area code, its geographic coverage, the history behind it, and how it has evolved over the years.
What Is the 213 Area Code?
The 213 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It primarily serves downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, making it one of the most recognizable area codes in Southern California.
Historically, the 213 area code covered a much larger portion of Los Angeles. However, as the demand for phone numbers increased due to population growth and technological advancements, the area code was split several times, reducing its coverage area.
What Areas Does the 213 Area Code Cover?
Today, the 213 area code specifically covers the central part of Los Angeles, including areas like:
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Koreatown
- Chinatown
- Westlake
- Historic Filipinotown
- Parts of South Los Angeles
However, the 213 area code is overlaid with the 323 area code, meaning that both area codes serve the same geographic area. New phone numbers assigned in this region may receive either the 213 or 323 area code, but they all serve the same parts of Los Angeles.
History of the 213 Area Code
The 213 area code is one of the original area codes established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Initially, the 213 area code covered the entire southern half of California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
However, as the population grew and the demand for phone lines increased, several splits occurred to create new area codes. Here’s a brief history of the 213 area code:
- 1947: The 213 area code was introduced, covering Southern California.
- 1951: The 213 area code was split to create the 714 area code, reducing its coverage.
- 1984: The 818 area code was introduced, further reducing the 213 area code’s region to the central Los Angeles area.
- 1991: The 310 area code was created, reducing the 213 area code’s territory to downtown Los Angeles and its immediate surroundings.
- 1998: The 323 area code was introduced as an overlay to cover parts of Los Angeles County, including the same areas as 213.
Today, the 213/323 overlay ensures that both area codes are available for the same geographic region in Los Angeles.
Why the 213 Area Code Matters
Historic Significance
The 213 area code is one of the original area codes in California, and it has a certain level of prestige associated with it due to its long-standing history. For many, having a 213 area code is symbolic of being connected to the heart of Los Angeles.
Business Opportunities
Many businesses in downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding areas operate with a 213 area code. Whether you’re a local business trying to establish a presence in the area or an entrepreneur launching a new venture, having a 213 area code can help signal your business’s connection to the vibrant LA market.
Geographic Recognition
When people see the 213 area code, they instantly associate it with Los Angeles, which makes it a valuable tool for businesses, especially those that want to appear as local enterprises to customers in the central Los Angeles area.
213 Area Code and the 323 Overlay
As mentioned earlier, the 213 area code is part of an overlay with the 323 area code, which was introduced in 1998 to meet the growing demand for phone numbers in the Los Angeles area. Both 213 and 323 cover the same geographic area, and the overlay ensures that residents and businesses can receive new phone numbers without changing the existing numbers.
Here are some key facts about the 213/323 overlay:
- Geographic Area: The overlay covers the same regions in Los Angeles, including downtown LA and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Dialing Requirements: To make local calls within the 213/323 area, 10-digit dialing (the area code plus the 7-digit phone number) is required.
- New Numbers: New phone numbers in the region could receive either the 213 or 323 area code, depending on availability.
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What Does It Mean to Have a 213 Area Code?
For residents and businesses in Los Angeles, having a 213 area code often signifies being in the heart of the city. The area code carries a sense of history, as it has long been associated with downtown LA and its cultural, financial, and entertainment centers.
For businesses, it can offer a sense of prestige and local identity, helping establish a closer connection with customers who recognize the area code.
FAQs About the 213 Area Code
Is the 213 area code still in use?
Yes, the 213 area code is still in use, covering central Los Angeles. It is overlaid with the 323 area code, and both are currently active.
Can I get a phone number with the 213 area code?
Yes, it is possible to get a phone number with the 213 area code, though it depends on availability. New phone numbers in central Los Angeles are assigned either the 213 or 323 area code.
What is the difference between 213 and 323?
The 213 and 323 area codes cover the same geographic region in Los Angeles. The only difference is that new numbers assigned in this region can have either area code, depending on availability. Both area codes serve downtown Los Angeles and nearby areas.
Why does Los Angeles have multiple area codes?
As the population and demand for phone numbers grew in Los Angeles, additional area codes were needed to meet the demand. This led to the introduction of new area codes such as 310, 818, and 323, among others. The 213/323 overlay was created to ensure that phone numbers could still be assigned without changing existing numbers.
Do I need to dial 1 before the 213 area code?
If you are making a long-distance call to a 213 number, you may need to dial 1 before the area code and number. However, for local calls within the 213/323 region, you typically only need to dial the 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit phone number).
The 213 area code remains a key part of Los Angeles’ telecommunications history. While its geographic coverage has diminished over the years due to the introduction of new area codes, it still represents the central and downtown areas of Los Angeles. Whether you’re a business looking to establish a local presence or a resident wanting to keep a connection to the heart of LA, having a 213 area code can offer a sense of identity and history. With its overlay with the 323 area code, residents and businesses can continue to enjoy reliable communication services in this iconic region of Southern California.