The 212 area code corresponds to the most famous of the five boroughs of New York: Manhattan. Plus, it overlaps another three area codes: 332, 917, and 646, covering one of the most populous telephone networks in the country.
This code is already part of the New Yorker’s identity. Nowadays, it has around 1,5 million users, all within the metropolitan area of The Big Apple. Ironically, this is not the largest telephone network in the city but one of the most relevant.
At being a global business center, Manhattan disposes of a strong a stable network, which comprises offices, headquarters, ZIP codes, and much more.
1. History
The 212 area code was part of the original network established by AT&T and The Bell System in 1947, being the only prefix for the big city.
New York has lived an incredible financial boom that has positioned it as one of the global cities. As a result, the city’s growth, specifically in Manhattan, compelled to establish another prefix to avoid saturation.
In 1992, the 917 area code started to run in the five boroughs and still operates nowadays as an overlay of the adjacent codes. In 1999, the 646 area code was set up, overlaying the same zone as the 212. In other words, both prefixes cover the same territory and the only difference is the first three numbers.
For now, there’s no plan to develop another telephone prefix. Still, as Manhattan is considerably crowded, a new code might appear in the next decade.
Thanks to its long story and the zone it covers, the 212 area code is considered a form of prestige among the locals.
2. Location
New York City is the capital of the homonymous state and is located in the most southern part of its region. The state is in the northeastern territory of the U.S., east of New Jersey and south of Connecticut.
The 212 area code covers Manhattan, which is the borough with the most density in the region. This island is in the west and is separated from the rest of the city by three rivers: Harlem, Hudson, and East River.
This prefix has around 1,6 million users by 2021. In total, it covers 15 counties and 26 cities, boroughs, and neighborhoods. And it’s under the Easter Time Zone.
Being in the financial center of the world, the 202 area code disposes of excellent and steady coverage. And thanks to the overlay and abundant adjacent numbers, there’s no saturation risk.
Adjacent codes
As we mentioned, Manhattan disposes of the overlay 646 area code in addition to the 202. However, the city has other telephone prefixes.
The 347, 718, and 917 cover the rest of the city with minimum or no presence on this island. In short, New York City has five area codes. The 718, which covers Queens, Kings, the Bronx, Richmond, and a minute section of Manhattan is the most used.
3. Most Important Neighborhoods in the 212 Area Code
The Financial District
This location is home to the crucial business that keeps the financial world turning, such as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the New York Stock Exchange, and of course, Wall Street.
The Financial District has around 150k permanent inhabitants and is located in Lower Manhattan. Specifically, in the southern region of the island, bound to Brooklyn by the Brooklyn Bridge.
Historically, this sector has been decisive in the economic growth of the big city. On the other hand, here’s where the World Trade Center used to be and where the world-class companies still remain.
The financial district has four primary ZIP codes.
Midtown
Midtown is the most populous sector of Manhattan with around 391k people. It’s located in the center of the island. It comprises several neighborhoods, such as Chelsea, Turtle Bay, Murray Hill, Hell’s Kitchen, and West Side, among others.
The vast majority of Skyscrapers, including the iconic Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, and the Radio City Music Hall, are in Midtown. As a result, it comprises millions of professionals and visitors simultaneously.
Thanks to its relevance, Midtown disposes of a booming telephone network within the 202 area code. Also, it possesses six primary ZIP codes.
Harlem
With +197k inhabitants, Harlem has the second-largest population on the island. It’s located in Upper Manhattan toward the northern region, north of Central Park and south of 155th Avenue.
Historically, Harlem has received millions of immigrants from Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Plus, it disposes of numerous landmarks, such as the Abyssinian Baptist Church, the Hotel Theresa, and the Apollo Theater, among many others.
Harlem has seven ZIP codes: Five in the Central Harlem area and two in East Harlem.
4. Other Important Locations and ZIP Codes of the 202 Area Code
The 202 area code covers the 52 neighborhoods of Manhattan, including:
- Madison Square Garden: also known as The Garden. This is a distinctive landmark of the 202 area code and New York City. It has around 15k inhabitants and its ZIP code is 10010.
- Tribeca: Tribeca is the abbreviation of Triangle Below Canal Street. By 2016, it had +17k inhabitants. Also, it possesses two ZIP codes: 10007 and 10013.
- Chelsea: this neighborhood is part of Midtown Manhattan. It possesses +47k inhabitants and one ZIP code: the 12152.
- West Village: located in Lower Manhattan, this location disposes of 30k residents; its zip code is 10014.
Main Postal and Shipping Services
- DHL & FedEx Ship Center | CJ Express - Manhattan - +1 212-218-9692
- The UPS store - John F. Kennedy Blvd - +1 212-706-8700
- East Village Postal - 151 1st Avenue +1 212-460-8067
- Lex Pack & Ship - 954 Lexington Avenue - +1 212-288-4425
- United Shipping & Packaging – Manhattan - +1 212-475-2214
5. FAQs
How Many Area Codes Are There in Manhattan?
Manhattan has two area codes: the original 212 and the overlay 646. However, some zones overlap surrounding prefixes, such as the 712 area code.
Can I Use the 212 Prefix on a Cellphone?
New York City has displayed a prefix for cellphones: 917. This is the online code for not-landlines appliances.