The 773 area code is synonymous with Chicago, one of the largest and most culturally diverse cities in the United States. Serving much of the city’s non-downtown areas, the 773 area code has become an essential part of Chicago’s telecommunications infrastructure since its inception. As Chicago continues to grow and develop, the 773 area code remains a crucial identifier for businesses and residents alike. In this article, we will explore the history of the 773 area code, its geographical coverage, its significance for businesses, and how to dial it.
What Is the 773 Area Code?
The 773 area code serves the city of Chicago, primarily covering areas outside the downtown district. Introduced in 1996, it was created to relieve the rapidly increasing demand for phone numbers within the city as the population grew. Before 1996, the entire city of Chicago was served by the 312 area code, which was introduced in 1947. As the number of residents and businesses in Chicago surged, it became necessary to split the 312 area code, leading to the creation of the 773 code for non-downtown areas.
While the 312 area code continues to serve the Loop and surrounding downtown neighborhoods, the 773 area code covers the broader regions of Chicago, making it an essential component of the city’s telecommunications network.
History of the 773 Area Code
The 773 area code was introduced on October 12, 1996, following the explosive growth of Chicago’s population and the proliferation of cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices. Initially, the 312 area code served the entire city, but as the demand for phone numbers increased in the late 20th century, it became clear that a new area code was needed to accommodate the growing number of businesses and residents.
The Split from the 312 Area Code
In the early 1990s, it became evident that the 312 area code was running out of available phone numbers. As a result, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a split that would assign the 773 area code to the city’s residential and commercial areas outside of the downtown Loop. This move allowed the 312 area code to continue serving the business-dense downtown area, while the 773 area code served the residential neighborhoods and suburban-like regions within the city limits.
The Introduction of the 872 Overlay
In 2009, the 872 area code was introduced as an overlay for both the 312 and 773 area codes. The overlay meant that new phone numbers in Chicago could be assigned either the 312, 773, or 872 area code, depending on availability, without changing existing phone numbers. This system helped manage the growing demand for numbers in the city, ensuring that Chicago residents and businesses continued to have access to phone numbers without disruption.
Geographical Scope of the 773 Area Code
The 773 area code covers the majority of Chicago’s non-downtown neighborhoods, including residential areas, commercial districts, and cultural hubs. The 312 area code is reserved for the downtown Loop area, while 773 is used for the outer neighborhoods that make up most of the city’s landscape. Chicago’s diverse population and thriving industries are well-served by the 773 area code.
Key Areas Served by the 773 Area Code:
- North Side: Includes neighborhoods like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Uptown, and Ravenswood, known for their vibrant communities, parks, and local businesses.
- West Side: Includes areas such as Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and Austin, which are known for their cultural diversity and artistic communities.
- South Side: Home to neighborhoods like Hyde Park (home of the University of Chicago), Bronzeville, and Bridgeport, which have deep historical significance and strong community ties.
Table: Breakdown of Chicago Area Codes
| Area of Chicago | Primary Area Code | Overlay Area Code |
| Downtown Chicago (Loop) | 312 | 872 |
| North, West, and South Sides | 773 | 872 |
The 773 area code encompasses much of Chicago’s residential areas, allowing businesses and residents alike to stay connected across this vast metropolitan region.
How to Dial the 773 Area Code
Dialing a number with the 773 area code follows the standard dialing procedures used across the United States. Since the 773 area code has an overlay with the 872 area code, 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls, even within the same area.
Dialing from the US
- Local Calls: To dial a 773 number from within the Chicago area, dial the 10-digit number, including the 773 area code, followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., 773-123-4567).
- Long-Distance Calls: If you’re calling a 773 number from outside the Chicago area but within the U.S., dial 1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 773 and the local number (e.g., 1-773-123-4567).
Dialing from Abroad
If you are calling a 773 number from outside the United States, you will need to include the international dialing code for the U.S., which is +1, followed by the area code and the local number. The format is as follows:
- Dial +1 773 followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., +1 773 123 4567).
This format ensures that your call reaches the correct recipient in Chicago’s non-downtown neighborhoods.
Also Read: 202 Area Code
Importance of the 773 Area Code for Businesses
For businesses operating in Chicago, having a phone number with the 773 area code can enhance their local presence and build trust with customers. Since the 773 area code covers the majority of Chicago’s neighborhoods outside of the downtown Loop, it is essential for businesses that operate in or serve these communities.
Benefits for Businesses Using the 773 Area Code:
- Local Presence: A phone number with the 773 area code immediately signals that a business is located in or serves the broader Chicago area, helping to establish a connection with local customers.
- Cultural Significance: Chicago is a city with a rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and a vibrant cultural scene. A 773 number can help businesses connect with the local community and reflect the city’s unique identity.
- Access to a Large Market: Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S., and the 773 area code covers a significant portion of this market. For businesses looking to expand their reach, having a 773 number is an important asset.
Even businesses that are not physically located in Chicago can acquire a 773 number through VoIP services, enabling them to establish a virtual presence in this key market.
The Future of the 773 Area Code
As Chicago continues to grow, the 773 area code will remain a central part of the city’s telecommunications infrastructure. The introduction of the 872 overlay has helped accommodate the demand for new phone numbers in the city, ensuring that businesses and residents have continued access to phone numbers without any disruption.
While the 773 area code is widely used, the introduction of the 872 overlay means that many new phone numbers in Chicago are now assigned the 872 code. Despite this, the 773 area code retains its significance for those living and working in the city’s neighborhoods outside of the downtown area.
FAQs About the 773 Area Code
What areas are covered by the 773 area code?
The 773 area code covers the majority of Chicago’s non-downtown neighborhoods, including the North Side, West Side, and South Side.
Is the 773 area code still available for new phone numbers?
Yes, the 773 area code is still in use, but many new numbers are now assigned the 872 overlay code due to the limited availability of 773 numbers.
How do I call a number with the 773 area code from outside the U.S.?
To call a number with the 773 area code from abroad, dial +1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 773 and the 7-digit local number.
Can businesses outside of Chicago get a 773 area code number?
Yes, businesses can acquire a 773 area code number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in Chicago.
Why was the 872 area code introduced?
The 872 area code was introduced in 2009 as an overlay to both the 773 and 312 area codes, providing additional phone numbers for the Chicago metropolitan area.
The 773 area code is an essential part of Chicago’s identity, serving the majority of the city’s residential neighborhoods and business districts outside the downtown Loop. Since its introduction in 1996, the 773 area code has connected businesses and residents across the city, helping Chicago thrive as a major metropolitan hub.
As Chicago continues to expand, the 773 area code remains a crucial component of the city’s communication system, representing the diverse and dynamic neighborhoods that make up this world-class city. Whether you’re a local resident, business owner, or someone seeking to connect with Chicago’s vibrant communities, the 773 area code plays a key role in staying connected with one of America’s greatest cities.