Chattanooga, Tennessee
Area code 423
Where Is Area Code 423?
Area code 423 is in eastern Tennessee. It covers a long section of the state from the Chattanooga area in the southeast to the Tri-Cities region in the northeast. It serves communities near the Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia borders.
Major cities in area code 423 include Chattanooga, Cleveland, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, Tennessee. The area code also covers many smaller communities across East Tennessee, including parts of Hamilton County, Bradley County, Sullivan County, Washington County, and other nearby counties.
Area code 423 includes some of Tennessee’s best-known natural and regional landmarks. Its territory includes the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain near the Georgia line, and parts of the Appalachian region in Northeast Tennessee. The code also reaches the Tri-Cities area, which sits near the Holston and Watauga river systems.
History of Area Code 423
Area code 423 started on September 11, 1995. It was created in a split of area code 615, which had covered all of Tennessee before demand for new phone numbers grew. The split gave East Tennessee its own area code.
Area code 423 changed again on September 19, 1999. On that date, the Knoxville area moved to new area code 865 in another split. Since that change, area code 423 has continued to serve much of southeastern and northeastern Tennessee, including Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities.
Key Facts About Area Code 423
- Area code 423 is a geographic area code in the state of Tennessee, and Chattanooga is one of its best-known cities.
- Area code 423 serves eastern Tennessee, including the Chattanooga area in the southeast and the Tri-Cities region in the northeast.
- Area code 423 was created on September 11, 1995, when area code 615 was split.
- Area code 423 lost the Knoxville area on September 19, 1999, when area code 865 was created in another split.
- Area code 423 is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is the standard time zone for Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities.
- Major cities in area code 423 include Chattanooga, Cleveland, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, Tennessee.
- Area code 423 covers places tied to major regional institutions, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.
- Notable landmarks in area code 423 include Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee River, and the Tennessee side of the Tri-Cities region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 423 in?
Area code 423 is in Tennessee.
What major cities use area code 423?
Major cities in area code 423 include Chattanooga, Cleveland, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, Tennessee.
Is area code 423 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 423 is a geographic area code.
Last updated: April 2026