What Area Code Is 213 in the USA?
You’ve dialed into the historic heart of Los Angeles, California. This isn’t just any set of digits; area code 213 is a legendary identifier for one of America’s most famous cities. It represents the bustling downtown core, a rich history, and a certain prestige that newer area codes can’t match.
Stick with us as we explore everything about this iconic code—from its location and time zone to why businesses still covet a 213 number.
The 213 Area Code Location: The Heart of Los Angeles, CA
The 213 area code is firmly planted in Southern California, USA. It specifically serves the central core of Los Angeles. When you see this number on your caller ID, you know it’s originating from the historic downtown area and its immediate surroundings.
And to clear up a common mix-up: despite what some online searches might suggest, there is no “213 area code, Florida.” Also, the number 213 is the country code for Morocco, but that’s entirely separate from the US phone system. Our focus is on the iconic American area code 213.
A Brief History of Area Code 213: LA’s Original Identity
Way back in 1947, when the area code system was first created, 213 was one of the original codes assigned to the entire southern part of California. Imagine that! It once covered everything from LA to San Diego. As the population boomed, it was split again and again, giving rise to new area codes, such as 714, 818, and 310.
This history is what makes 213 so special. It’s not an overlay code added later; it’s the original Los Angeles area code. Having one is like having a vintage license plate—it signals you’ve been around.
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213 Area Code vs. 323 and Other Los Angeles Area Codes
This is a classic LA question! The 213 area code vs. 323 debate is all about geography and history.
- 213: This is the original. After the splits, it shrank to cover primarily Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and its core neighborhoods.
- 323: This code was created in 1998 to relieve exhaustion from the 213 area code. It generally covers the areas surrounding downtown, like parts of East LA, Hollywood, and Mid-City.
Think of it this way: 213 is the historic center, and 323 is the ring around it. They are both very much “LA” codes, but 213 carries that extra weight of legacy.
Which Cities and Neighborhoods Use the 213 Area Code?
Wondering about the specific cities in the 213 area code? While it’s primarily within the city of Los Angeles itself, it covers some of its most famous districts:
- Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
- Civic Center
- Chinatown
- Little Tokyo
- Historic Core
- University Park (home to USC)
- Parts of Hollywood
213 Area Code Time Zone: PST and PDT
What time is it in the 213 area? All calls to and from the 213 area code operate in the Pacific Time Zone.
- PST (Pacific Standard Time): This is observed from November through early March (UTC-8).
- PDT (Pacific Daylight Time): This is observed from March through early November for Daylight Saving Time (UTC-7).
So, whether it’s PST time zone or PDT time zone hours, remember they are on Pacific Time.
Zip Codes
The 213 area code covers a range of zip codes in central Los Angeles. While area codes and zip codes don’t align perfectly, you can expect the 213 area code to be associated with classic downtown zip codes like 90012, 90013, 90014, 90015, 90017, and 90021.
Check out Wikipedia for more details.
Benefits of Having a 213 Business Number
Why would a modern business want a 213 number? The benefits are all about perception and strategy:
- Instant Credibility & Caller ID Recognition: A 213 number instantly signals that your business is at the center of a major metropolitan area. It builds trust and recognition before the phone is even answered.
- Historical Prestige: It associates your brand with the long-standing legacy of Los Angeles, suggesting stability and authenticity.
- Local Marketing Advantage: For businesses targeting the LA market, a local number feels more approachable and community-based than a toll-free or out-of-state number.
These benefits of a 213 business number are a powerful part of your brand’s story.
Also Check: Where is the 415 Area Code Located?
FAQs
Q1. Is 213 toll-free?
No, 213 is a geographic area code for Los Angeles, not a toll-free number (like 800, 888, etc.). Calling it may incur long-distance charges depending on your phone plan.
Q2. Do I need an LA address to get 213?
Not necessarily! Thanks to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, you can often get a 213 phone number from providers like RingCentral or Google Voice without a physical address in LA. However, some providers may have restrictions.
Q3. Can I keep my current number and port to 213?
Yes, in most cases, you can “port” your existing number to a new provider that offers 213 numbers. The process is called number porting, and your new provider can guide you through it.
Q4. How do I protect privacy with a 213 number?
If you’re concerned about spam calls, you can use your 213 number as a secondary line through a VoIP app, protecting your personal cell number. You can also use call-blocking features provided by your carrier.
So, what area code is 213? It’s more than just a number; it’s a slice of American telecommunications history and a modern-day symbol of Los Angeles’s vibrant core. From its PST/PDT time zone to its iconic caller ID recognition, the 213 area code remains a powerful and prestigious identifier.
Did you find this guide helpful? Explore our site [whatareacode.com] to decode any other area code in the USA!
