The 323 area code is one of the primary telephone area codes serving the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. It covers a large part of Los Angeles County, including neighborhoods and areas surrounding Downtown Los Angeles. If you’re trying to understand what the 323 area code is, which areas it covers, and why it’s important, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the details of the 323 area code, its geographic coverage, how it came to be, and how it fits into the broader telephone numbering system of Los Angeles.
What Is the 323 Area Code?
The 323 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves parts of Los Angeles County, particularly the neighborhoods around central Los Angeles and adjacent areas. It is an important area code for residents and businesses in Los Angeles, as it covers a diverse range of communities and cultural hubs.
The 323 area code is part of an overlay with the 213 area code, which specifically serves Downtown Los Angeles. The overlay allows both area codes to serve the same geographic area, which is a solution to the growing demand for phone numbers in the region.
What Areas Does the 323 Area Code Cover?
The 323 area code covers several important neighborhoods and districts in Los Angeles County. These include:
- East Los Angeles
- West Hollywood
- Echo Park
- Silver Lake
- Hollywood
- Los Feliz
- Boyle Heights
- Monterey Park
While the 213 area code is generally associated with Downtown Los Angeles, the 323 area code extends beyond the downtown core, covering surrounding areas that are vital parts of LA’s cultural, economic, and residential landscape.
History of the 323 Area Code
The 323 area code was introduced in 1998 as a split from the 213 area code, which originally covered a much larger portion of Los Angeles. Due to the rapid growth of LA’s population and the increasing demand for telephone numbers (especially with the rise of mobile phones), the 213 area code was nearing exhaustion.
To address this issue, the 323 area code was created to serve the communities outside of central Los Angeles, while the 213 area code was retained for the downtown area. As the population and demand for phone numbers continued to grow, Los Angeles eventually required an overlay system, meaning both the 213 and 323 area codes now cover the same geographic region.
Key Milestones in 323 Area Code History:
- 1947: The 213 area code was introduced as one of the original area codes for Southern California, covering the entire Los Angeles metropolitan area.
- 1998: The 323 area code was introduced to split the 213 area code, serving areas outside of Downtown Los Angeles.
- 2017: The 213/323 overlay was implemented to ensure that both area codes could be used for new phone numbers in the same geographic region.
Why the 323 Area Code Is Important
Geographic and Cultural Significance
The 323 area code serves some of the most well-known neighborhoods in Los Angeles, including Hollywood, Silver Lake, and East Los Angeles. These areas are home to diverse populations, businesses, and cultural institutions, making the 323 area code highly significant to both residents and businesses in LA.
Business and Entertainment Hub
The 323 area code covers neighborhoods that are central to Los Angeles’ entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood and surrounding areas. Many production companies, entertainment agencies, and media organizations operate in this area, making the 323 area code important for those working in film, television, and music.
Residential Areas
Beyond its association with entertainment, the 323 area code covers residential neighborhoods such as Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and parts of West Hollywood. These areas are home to a mix of long-time residents, young professionals, and creatives, making the 323 area code an integral part of everyday life in Los Angeles.
Also Read: 213 Area Code
323 Area Code and the 213 Overlay
The 323 area code is overlaid with the 213 area code, meaning that both area codes serve the same geographic region in Los Angeles County. This overlay system was implemented in 2017 to provide more phone numbers for the rapidly growing population and the increasing demand for telecommunications services in Los Angeles.
What Is an Overlay System?
An overlay system occurs when two or more area codes serve the same geographic region. Rather than splitting an area and assigning different area codes to different parts, an overlay allows new phone numbers in the same region to be assigned multiple area codes. This helps avoid the need for existing phone numbers to be changed.
In the case of Los Angeles, both the 323 and 213 area codes are now used interchangeably within the same region, meaning that new numbers can be assigned either of these area codes depending on availability.
Dialing Requirements
With the 213/323 overlay, 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls within the region. This means that you must dial the area code (either 323 or 213) plus the 7-digit phone number, even if you’re making a call within the same area. For example, if you’re calling a 323 number from another 323 or 213 number, you’ll still need to include the area code.
What Does It Mean to Have a 323 Area Code?
For residents and businesses in Los Angeles, having a 323 area code means being part of some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Whether you’re located in the heart of Hollywood, running a business in West Hollywood, or living in the artsy area of Silver Lake, having a 323 number connects you to the cultural and economic hub of Los Angeles County.
For businesses, a 323 phone number can help establish a local presence in Los Angeles, one of the largest and most influential cities in the world. A 323 area code can also signal a strong connection to LA’s entertainment and cultural industries, especially in areas like Hollywood and Los Feliz.
FAQs About the 323 Area Code
Is 323 still a valid area code?
Yes, the 323 area code is still valid and in use, covering neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles County, including Hollywood, Silver Lake, and East Los Angeles.
Can I get a phone number with the 323 area code?
Yes, it is still possible to get a 323 phone number, but availability depends on the specific area and demand. With the 213/323 overlay, new phone numbers may be assigned either area code.
Is the 323 area code only for landlines?
No, the 323 area code is used for both landlines and mobile phones. While it was initially introduced to help address the demand for landline numbers, it is now commonly assigned to both landlines and mobile devices.
Do I need to dial 1 before the 323 area code?
If you’re making a long-distance call to a 323 number, you may need to dial 1 before the area code and phone number. However, for local calls within Los Angeles, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) is typically sufficient without the need to dial 1.
What other area codes are used in Los Angeles?
In addition to the 323 and 213 area codes, Los Angeles County is also served by the following area codes:
- 310/424: Covers parts of West Los Angeles, including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.
- 818/747: Covers the San Fernando Valley region.
- 562: Covers southeastern parts of Los Angeles, including Long Beach.
- 626: Covers the San Gabriel Valley area.
The 323 area code plays a significant role in the telecommunications system of Los Angeles County, covering neighborhoods in and around central Los Angeles. Introduced in 1998 as a split from the 213 area code, it now serves as an essential part of the 213/323 overlay, ensuring that the city has enough phone numbers to meet the needs of its rapidly growing population.
For residents and businesses, having a 323 phone number is a clear signal of being located in Los Angeles, particularly in some of its most vibrant and culturally significant neighborhoods. Whether you’re in Hollywood, Silver Lake, or East LA, the 323 area code connects you to the heart of Southern California.