Arden-Arcade, California

Where Is Area Code 279?

Area code 279 is in north central California. It serves the Sacramento region and works as an overlay for area code 916. Arden-Arcade is one of the communities in this service area.

Area code 279 covers Sacramento County and parts of nearby communities that use the 916 numbering plan area. Major places in the area include Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Carmichael. The code serves both residential neighborhoods and state government offices in and around California's capital.

This area sits in the Sacramento Valley near the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River. Notable landmarks in the broader service area include the California State Capitol in Sacramento and California State University, Sacramento. Arden-Arcade itself is an unincorporated community just east of downtown Sacramento.

History of Area Code 279

Area code 279 was established as an overlay for area code 916. The California Public Utilities Commission approved the overlay in 2017, and 279 entered service on March 10, 2018. Before that date, area code 916 alone served the same region.

Area code 916 is one of California's original area codes from 1947. As population and phone number demand grew in the Sacramento area, regulators added 279 instead of splitting the region into separate geographic zones. Because 279 is an overlay, both 279 and 916 serve the same area, and 10-digit dialing is required for local calls.

Key Facts About Area Code 279

• Area code 279 is a California geographic area code that serves the Sacramento region, including Arden-Arcade.
• Area code 279 is an overlay of area code 916, so both codes cover the same numbering plan area.
• Area code 279 officially entered service on March 10, 2018.
• The California Public Utilities Commission approved the 279 overlay in 2017.
• Area code 279 serves communities such as Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Carmichael.
• Area code 279 is in the Pacific Time Zone, which uses Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.
• The service area includes Sacramento, the capital city of California, and California State University, Sacramento.
• Arden-Arcade is a census-designated place in Sacramento County, California, within the 279 and 916 service area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 279 in?

Area code 279 is in California.

What major cities use area code 279?

Area code 279 serves Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Carmichael.

Is area code 279 a toll-free number?

No, area code 279 is a geographic area code.