Receive a local area code
617
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Economic Overview
Area code 617 encompasses the heart of the Greater Boston region, a major economic hub with strengths in education, healthcare, finance, biotechnology, and technology. Major employers include Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and numerous tech firms and financial institutions. The area is known for its robust innovation ecosystem and high concentration of startups.
Geographical Overview
Area code 617 primarily covers the city of Boston and several close-in suburbs within Suffolk County, as well as small portions of Middlesex and Norfolk Counties. Key cities and neighborhoods include Boston (including Downtown, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, and other central neighborhoods), Cambridge, and Brookline.
Location Info
The 617 area code covers central Boston and its immediate surroundings, including neighborhoods such as Charlestown, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and the aforementioned Cambridge and Brookline. It does not extend significantly into outer suburbs, as those are served by overlay or adjacent area codes like 857, 781, and 617’s overlays. The coverage is mostly concentrated within the I-95/Route 128 beltway.
Population Demographics
The 617 area code region is densely populated, ethnically diverse, and includes a significant student and young professional population due to its many colleges and universities. The area is characterized by high levels of educational attainment and median incomes above national averages.
Time Zone Info
Area code 617 is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Other Area Code Details
Area code 617 is one of the original North American area codes established in 1947 and is closely associated with Boston’s historic and cultural identity. Due to high demand, it was overlaid with area code 857 in 2001, and it remains one of the most recognizable area codes in New England.
