Massachusetts Area Code
Massachusetts area codes are numerical identifiers used for telecommunications within the state. They specify geographic regions, aiding in call routing and location identification. Notable Massachusetts area codes include 413, 508, 617, 781, and 857, among others, though new codes may emerge with population growth and increased demand for phone numbers.
State | Massachusetts |
State Abbreviation: | MI |
State Nickname: | Bay State Equality State |
Capital City | Boston |
Area Codes | 339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978 |
Timezone | Eastern Time (ET) |
What time zone is Massachusetts?
Massachusetts area codes are in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is UTC-5 during Standard Time (Eastern Standard Time - EST) and UTC-4 during Daylight Saving Time (Eastern Daylight Time - EDT).
Note that the start and end dates of daylight saving time can change
History
The history of Massachusetts area codes is characterized by the need to accommodate the state's expanding telecommunications demands. Initially, Massachusetts had a single area code, 617, covering the entire state. However, as population and communication needs grew, additional area codes were introduced. In 1988, area code 508 was added to serve central and western Massachusetts, followed by area code 781 in 1997, which relieved congestion in the Boston metropolitan area. These changes reflect the evolving landscape of telecommunications in response to the state's growth and technological advancements.
All Area Codes in Massachusetts
This table provides a quick overview of all area codes, their locations, and some historical context for each.
Area Code | Location | History and Details |
---|---|---|
339 | Eastern Massachusetts | Serves portions of eastern Massachusetts, including communities south of Boston. |
351 | Northern Massachusetts | Overlay code for Area Code 978, serving northern Massachusetts. |
413 | Western Massachusetts | Covers western Massachusetts, including cities like Springfield and Pittsfield. |
508 | Central and Southeastern Massachusetts | Serves central and southeastern Massachusetts, including cities like Worcester, Cape Cod, and New Bedford. |
617 | Greater Boston Area | Covers the Greater Boston area, including Boston itself and many of its suburbs. |
774 | Central and Southeastern Massachusetts | Overlay code for Area Code 508, serving the same regions. |
781 | Northern and Western Suburbs of Boston | Serves communities to the north and west of Boston, including places like Waltham, Lynn, and Quincy. |
857 | Greater Boston Area | Overlay code for Area Code 617, covering the same areas in the Greater Boston region. |
978 | Northern Massachusetts | Covers northern Massachusetts, including cities like Lowell and Lawrence. |
Largest Cities in Massachusetts with area codes
Quick overview of large cities, their area codes, and some historical context for each in Massachusetts.
Name | Area Code | History and Details |
---|---|---|
Boston | 617, 857 | The capital and largest city in Massachusetts, known for its historical significance and cultural attractions. |
Worcester | 508, 774 | Located in central Massachusetts, known for its healthcare and education institutions. |
Springfield | 413 | The third-largest city in Massachusetts, located in western Massachusetts. |
Lowell | 978 | Located in northern Massachusetts, known for its industrial history. |
Cambridge | 617, 857 | Home to Harvard University and MIT, known for its educational and cultural institutions. |
Brockton | 508, 774 | Located in southeastern Massachusetts, known for its history and sports. |
New Bedford | 508, 774 | A coastal city known for its maritime history and cultural diversity. |
Quincy | 617, 857 | Located in the Greater Boston Area, known for its historical sites and parks. |
Lynn | 781 | A city in the northern and western suburbs of Boston, known for its waterfront and history. |
Fall River | 508, 774 | Located in southeastern Massachusetts, known for its textile industry heritage. |
Newton | 617, 857 | A city in the Greater Boston Area, known for its affluent neighborhoods and education. |
Somerville | 617, 857 | A city in the Greater Boston Area, known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse communities. |
Lawrence | 978 | Located in northern Massachusetts, known for its textile industry history and cultural diversity. |
Haverhill | 978 | A city in northern Massachusetts with a focus on education and local history. |
Waltham | 781 | Located in the northern and western suburbs of Boston, known for its innovation and technology companies. |