213 Area Code: Central Los Angeles
The 213 area code is one of the original area codes established in the United States under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1947. It primarily serves the downtown Los Angeles area and has a rich historical and functional significance due to the city’s global importance.
Critical Information:
- Introduction Year: 1947 (one of the original 86 area codes)
- Geographic Area: Central Los Angeles, California
- Overlay: 323 (introduced in 1998 to meet increasing demand for phone numbers)
- Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
- Coverage: The 213 area code serves parts of central Los Angeles, including key neighborhoods like Downtown LA, Chinatown, Koreatown, Westlake, and University Park. It’s closely associated with the city’s cultural, economic, and governmental centers.
Major Cities and Neighborhoods in 213:
- Downtown Los Angeles: Financial district, cultural landmarks, entertainment hubs
- Chinatown: Rich with Chinese culture, food, and shopping
- Koreatown: Known for nightlife, restaurants, and cultural significance
- Westlake: A historic, densely populated district adjacent to Downtown LA
- University Park: Home to the University of Southern California (USC)
Overlay with 323:
The introduction of the 323 area code created an overlay, meaning both 213 and 323 cover much of the same geographic area. Residents and businesses in the 213 area must now dial the full 10 digits, including the area code, even for local calls.
The code holds historical significance as it originally covered all of Southern California. Over time, the area code was split and redefined due to the rapid growth of Los Angeles. It is now concentrated in the downtown area, one of the most densely populated and economically important regions in the United States. This area code is iconic and synonymous with the culture of Los Angeles, frequently referenced in media and pop culture as a representation of the city’s core. Thanks for visiting Minedit, and we hope you got the answer you were looking for.