The 603 area code corresponds to all New Hampshire, being one of the only eleven states with a single prefix. Also, one of the first that got included in the first official list of telephone numbers.
The region is considerably remote and scattered. In other words, one network is still enough to cover the low population rates. For now, there won’t be another telephonic prefix across this territory.
In this article, you’ll discover the most important cities, counties, townships, and offices in New Hampshire. Also, you’ll get to know more about the national telephonic system.
1. History
The 603 was one of the first telephone prefixes of the AT&T and The Bell System, launched in 1947 as the global telephone network that still runs nowadays. Throughout New Hampshire’s history, this has been the only code.
In recent years, the government has tried to establish a new network to prevent a possible saturation of the services. Still, citizens and companies declined. And believe it or not, the system still has enough coverage for all the population in the state.
For the inhabitants of New Hampshire, the code is already an icon of the state, exactly like the 212 in New York or the 351 in Miami. Also, and thanks to this system, callers don’t have to dial numbers like in most of North America. Most of the locals don’t want to lose their numbers and there’s much resistance against new prefixes.
Nowadays, the system is near saturation and a new prefix is being developed to cover around half of the territory. The government hasn’t carried out this project so far; yet, citizens expect to have an overlay code in the following years.
2. Location
As we mentioned, the 603 covers the entire territory of New Hampshire, being the only telephonic code.
The state is bordered by Québec to the north, Massachusetts to the south, Vermont and the Connecticut River to the west, and Main to the east. It’s also one of the most northern states within the territory of the 48 states.
Even though the 603 area code is near two great metropolitan areas, is relatively isolated. However, its nearness to Canada makes it a bridge between the two countries.
Manchester, NH has the largest population, and due to its nearness to Nashua, it forms the Manchester-Nashua Metropolitan Area, the only one across the state. Also, it makes it the zone with the best telephone network and coverage.
This territory is, still, in the Eastern Time Zone despite its nearness to the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, it’s the same as Boston, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, and Miami, among others.
Adjacent Codes
The 603 area code is surrounded by the 207 in Main and the 802 in Vermont. In the south, it borders the three area codes of Massachusetts: 351/978 and 413. In the north, has the four telephone prefixes of Québec: 450/579 (Granby) and 819/873 (Sherbrooke).
3. Most Important Counties in the 603 Area Code
Hillsborough, NH
This county is located in the south-central part of the state, right on the border with Massachusetts. It’s home to Manchester, the most populated city across the region, and Nashua. Plus, it has +417k inhabitants.
This county is, possibly, the most important across New Hampshire. Thanks to its proximity to the Boston Metropolitan Area, its network is more stable and reliable than in other locations. Not to mention, it comprises numerous postal offices and shipping services; most packages arrive at or depart from this city.
Hillsborough disposes of 39 ZIP codes.
Rockingham, NH
This county is in the southeastern corner of New Hampshire, bordering both Massachusetts and Main. Besides, it has +309k inhabitants by 2021.
Rockingham is home to Portsmouth, the only official city in this region. Portsmouth is in the most eastern section of the county and has around 22k inhabitants. The county also counts on 36 towns, mostly rural.
Since the towns are scattered around all Rockingham, the county has an impressive number of 44 ZIP codes.
Merrimack, NH
The Merrimack County is named after the Merrimack River.
It’s north of Hillsborough, northwest of Rockingham, west of Strafford, south of Grafton and Belknap, and east of Sullivan. It has around 159k permanent residents. With this cipher, it’s the third most populated county in the state.
The state was separated from Rockingham and Hillsborough in 1824. The population has grown slowly but steadily since then.
Merrimack County is home to Concord, the capital of the state. In addition, it disposes of another city: Franklin, 20 towns and 6 recognized villages.
The county counts on 31 ZIP codes.
4. Other Important Locations and ZIP Codes in the 603 Area Code
- Dover, NH: this city is located in Strafford, has around 31k inhabitants, and disposes of four area codes.
- Rochester, NH: Rochester is a small historical city, also located in Strafford County. It has around 31k residents and possesses four ZIP codes as well.
- Keene, NH: this is a small but picturesque town in Cheshire County. Interestingly, it has maintained a population of around 23k people for more than 10 years in a row. Besides, it disposes of only two ZIP codes: 03431 and 03435.
Most Important Postal and Shipping Services in the 603 Area Code
- US Postal Service – Concord, NH – +1 603-225-5536
- The UPS Store – Manchester, NH - +1 603-666-9800
- Postal Center USA – Manchester, NH - +1 603-627-7225
- Lawrence Direct LLC – Rockingham, NH - +1 603-622-9330
- UPS Alliance Shipping Partner – Rockingham, NH - +1 603-622-9330
- Postal Center Nashua Store – Nashua, NH - +1 603-882-6245
5. FAQs
Is There Any Other Area Code in New Hampshire?
Not for now. This state has remained with the same area code of the first telephone networks. Yet, the government always tries to carry out a project to establish a new prefix.
Is There a Good Reception in this Region?
It depends. In the metropolitan area of Manchester, the telephone signal is decent. But, in remote towns, the signal quality is very low.
What Is the Best Hour to Call to New Hampshire from Toronto?
Ontario uses the same time zone as the 603 area code. Still, the most eastern Canadian provinces (Nova Scotia, Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.