The 708 area code serves the southern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, and parts of Cook County. Known for covering a highly populated and diverse region, the 708 area code plays a key role in connecting the bustling suburbs to the city of Chicago and beyond. This area code encompasses a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial hubs, making it essential for both residents and businesses in the region.
In this article, we’ll explore the 708 area code, its geographic coverage, history, and its significance to the Chicago suburbs.
What Is the 708 Area Code?
The 708 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and serves the southern and western suburbs of Chicago in Cook County and small parts of Will and DuPage counties. It was introduced to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers in the greater Chicago area.
What Areas Does the 708 Area Code Cover?
The 708 area code covers a wide range of suburbs to the south and west of Chicago, including several important cities and communities. Some of the key areas served by the 708 area code include:
- Oak Lawn
- Tinley Park
- Orland Park
- Berwyn
- Oak Park
- Cicero
- Lansing
- Harvey
- Calumet City
The area code is known for covering suburban areas that are close to Chicago, making it an important part of the region’s telecommunications network.
History of the 708 Area Code
The 708 area code was introduced on November 11, 1989, as a split from the 312 area code, which originally covered all of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. As the population in the Chicago metropolitan area grew, the demand for phone numbers increased, making it necessary to introduce the 708 area code to serve the Chicago suburbs.
Timeline of Key Events in 708 Area Code History:
- 1947: The 312 area code is introduced as one of the original area codes, covering all of Chicago and the surrounding areas.
- 1989: The 708 area code is created as a split from the 312 area code, serving the suburban areas surrounding Chicago.
- 1996: The 630 area code is created, splitting from 708 to serve the western suburbs of Chicago.
- 1996: The 847 area code is introduced, splitting from the 708 area code to serve the northern suburbs of Chicago.
Today, the 708 area code covers the southern and western suburbs of Chicago, while the 312 and 773 area codes serve the city itself.
Why the 708 Area Code Is Important
Serving Chicago’s Southern and Western Suburbs
The 708 area code plays a crucial role in serving the southern and western suburbs of Chicago, including a diverse range of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Suburbs like Oak Lawn, Orland Park, and Cicero are among the most populated and economically active areas in Cook County, and the 708 area code ensures that businesses, residents, and institutions in these regions have access to reliable telecommunications services.
Economic and Commercial Importance
Many of the communities within the 708 area code are significant economic hubs, with industries ranging from healthcare to retail and manufacturing. Suburbs like Tinley Park and Orland Park are known for their bustling commercial centers, while towns like Harvey and Calumet City have long been known for their industrial roots. The 708 area code supports the region’s growing economy by providing phone numbers to businesses and residents alike.
Suburban and Residential Focus
The 708 area code is also associated with suburban living. Many of the communities it covers are known for their family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and schools, making it a key part of the residential life in the Chicago area. Whether in Oak Lawn or Berwyn, having a 708 phone number is an important part of being connected to the suburban communities outside of Chicago.
708 Area Code and Neighboring Regions
The 708 area code is surrounded by several other area codes that serve different parts of the Chicago metropolitan area. Some of the neighboring area codes include:
- 312/773: Serve the city of Chicago and its immediate neighborhoods.
- 847/224: Cover the northern suburbs of Chicago, including Evanston and Arlington Heights.
- 630/331: Serve the western suburbs of Chicago, including Naperville and Aurora.
- 815/779: Cover parts of Northern Illinois, including Joliet and Rockford.
These area codes, along with the 708 area code, make up the telecommunications infrastructure for Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
Also Read: 850 Area Code
What Does It Mean to Have a 708 Area Code?
For residents and businesses in Chicago’s southern suburbs, having a 708 area code signifies being part of a dynamic and growing region. The 708 area code connects a variety of communities, from the industrial roots of Harvey and Calumet City to the family-friendly neighborhoods of Orland Park and Oak Lawn.
For businesses, having a 708 phone number establishes a local presence in one of the most populated and economically active regions in Illinois. Whether you operate in retail, manufacturing, or healthcare, a 708 number connects you to a large and diverse customer base.
FAQs About the 708 Area Code
Is 708 still a valid area code?
Yes, the 708 area code is still valid and actively used in Chicago’s southern and western suburbs. It continues to serve a large number of residential, commercial, and industrial communities in Cook County and surrounding areas.
Can I get a phone number with the 708 area code?
Yes, it is possible to get a 708 phone number, though availability may depend on the specific area and demand. The 708 area code is still in use for new phone numbers in Chicago’s suburbs.
Is the 708 area code only for landlines?
No, the 708 area code is used for both landlines and mobile phones. Like other area codes, it is assigned to a variety of telecommunications devices, including residential landlines, business phones, and mobile devices.
Do I need to dial 1 before the 708 area code?
If you are making a long-distance call to a 708 number, you may need to dial 1 before the area code and phone number. For local calls within the 708 area code region, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) may be required depending on your service provider.
What other area codes are near the 708 area code?
The 708 area code is bordered by several other area codes, including:
- 312/773: Serve the city of Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods.
- 847/224: Cover the northern suburbs of Chicago.
- 630/331: Serve the western suburbs of Chicago.
- 815/779: Cover parts of Northern Illinois, including Joliet and Rockford.
These area codes, along with 708, provide comprehensive telecommunications services across Northern Illinois.
The 708 area code is an essential part of the telecommunications network serving the southern and western suburbs of Chicago, including cities like Oak Lawn, Orland Park, and Tinley Park. Introduced in 1989, the 708 area code plays a key role in connecting the region’s residential and commercial areas to Chicago and the broader telecommunications system.
For residents and businesses alike, having a 708 phone number signifies a strong connection to Chicago’s suburbs, where industries range from healthcare to manufacturing, and suburban life thrives. Whether you’re living in Oak Park, working in Cicero, or running a business in Tinley Park, the 708 area code keeps you connected to one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in Illinois.