The 717 area code is one of the telephone prefixes that cover Pennsylvania, being the most ancient in the region.
This area code comprises 13 counties and more than 50 cities within its limits. Although it isn’t part of the metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, it has over one million users. As a result, and even with two overlays, this prefix is still crucial for Pennsylvania nowadays.
Plus, it has a myriad of ZIP codes you should consider if you plan to use postal and shipping services. We’ll cover the most relevant ones below.
1. History
AT&T and the Bell System established the telephone code system that still runs today. In the beginning, the network consisted of 84 prefixes, being the 717 area code the one designated to the country’s birthplace.
As usual, the network began to get saturated as the number of users grew. Consequently, in 1998, the state had to split this code into two separate prefixes, creating the 570 area code. Eventually, thanks to the rising demand, the state had to launch a second overlay for this area: the 223 area code.
The 570 area code still covers Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, and Schuylkill, among others. On the other hand, the 223 works in exactly the same area as the 717.
The creation of overlay codes has always been confusing, and this territory is not the exception. Since 1998, many users have criticized this dynamic because it may be confusing the first times. To call this territory, you have to dial three extra numbers, which is not convenient for visitors, outsiders, and newcomers.
And as the 717 area code is the oldest one, the new appliances tend to utilize the recent prefixes.
2. Location
The 717 area code occupies all the south region of Pennsylvania, being home to Harrisburg, the capital of the state.
Pennsylvania is south of New York, north of Maryland, northwest of Delaware, east of Ohio, northeast of West Virginia, and west of New Jersey.
This area code is considerably remote in comparison to the metropolitan areas. As a result, you might have problems when making calls to distant towns and cities.
This area code is within the Eastern Time Zone. So it shares the same timeline as New York, Boston, Baltimore, and Miami. If you call from outside the U.S., bear in mind the Daylight Time Saving; Americans forward their clocks for one hour during the summer.
Adjacent Codes
First, the 223 is the overlay of the 717 area code, which means they operate under the same ratio. The 272 and the 570 cover the northeastern region of the state. The 814 operates west of the 717 in the largest territory. Southward, in Baltimore, there are four prefixes separated by the border between both states.
3. Most Important Counties in the 717 Area Code
Lancaster
The Lancaster Metropolitan Area counts on +500k inhabitants, being the second largest within the southern region. Also, the city of Lancaster is famous as one of the oldest in the U.S. As a result, it hides incredible historical and tourist attractions for its visitors.
It’s located in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania, south of Lebanon, north of Cecil, east of Chester, and west of York.
Lancaster has numerous towns and cities, including Mount Joy, Columbia, Strasburg, and Lititz. Such locations showcase the European heritage of the state, even exhibiting German hints of the old days.
Although this county isn’t so crowded, it has 49 ZIP codes within its limits.
York
York has +401 residents and over 50 cities, boroughs, towns, and townships. Moreover, it’s home to the ancient city of the same name, which, according to some historians, was the first capital of the U.S. Not to mention its cultural landmarks, which include the galleries, museums, complexes, and more.
This county has +499k inhabitants and is located in the southeast, bordering only with Maryland. On the other hand, its capital city counts on +43k residents.
York is considerably large and has many rural locations. So, you could struggle when making calls to remote houses. In fact, this territory is ideal to disconnect and dedicate to farming.
This region has 52 ZIP codes.
Dauphin
This county has +268k inhabitants and is home to Harrisburg. Also, thanks to its rich heritage, it’s a historical and cultural landmark for the country.
Dauphin is in the south-central region and counts on the Harrisburg- Carlisle Metropolitan Area. The majority of businesses and offices are in this sector. Also, this county possesses eight universities, as well as numerous schools.
As an interesting fact, this region, along with Lancaster, gathers most of the Amish communities. Plus, it has 25 ZIP codes.
4. Other Important Locations and ZIP Codes
- Adams: this southern county is aside York, has around 103k inhabitants, and 14 zip codes. Also, about 30% of its population lives in rural regions.
- Lebanon: located in the southeast, Lebanon is part of the Harrisburg-York-Lebanon Area. Besides, it has +140k residents and 13 ZIP codes.
- Franklin: located in the south center at the limit of the 717 area code. It counts on +129k residents and 31 ZIP codes.
- Berks: disposes of +421k inhabitants and, being considerably populous in comparison to the rest. Further, the largest portion of its territory is outside the 717 area code.
Main Postal and Shipping Services in the 717 Area Code
- UPS Access Point Location – Harrisburg - +1 717-238-4618
- Squirrelshipping – Harrisburg - +1 717-303-4108
- Postal Connections 225 – Harrisburg - +1 717-766-0335
- York Mail Services – York - +1 717- 845-3617
- The UPS Store - York - +1 717-757-6245
- Postal Connections #209 – Lancaster +1 717-718-1773
- Goin’ Postal Gettysburg – Gettysburg - +1 717-304-6896
5. FAQs
How to Call Someone in the 717 Area Code?
If you’re calling from the same zone, you have to dial the area code and the entire number. Be sure to know the area code under which the number is registered so as not to call another person.
Why Two Area Codes in the Same Place?
With two, chances of saturating the network are minimum, especially in this region due to its low number of inhabitants.
Can I Call 911 Directly?
Yes, you won’t have to dial neither area codes in case of emergency.