Where Is Area Code 480?
Area code 480 serves the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area in central Arizona. Chandler is the primary city associated with the code. The traditional 480 service area lies mainly in Maricopa County and extends into parts of Pinal County.
Major cities in the area include Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe. The area also includes Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Queen Creek, and portions of Phoenix, along with nearby communities such as Carefree, Cave Creek, Gold Canyon, and San Tan Valley.
Notable places in the traditional 480 region include Arizona State University's Tempe campus, Taliesin West in Scottsdale, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa. The region also includes the Salt River corridor and the Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction.
Cities and Communities in the 480 Area Code
- Apache Junction, Maricopa and Pinal counties
- Carefree, Maricopa County
- Cave Creek, Maricopa County
- Chandler, Maricopa County
- Fountain Hills, Maricopa County
- Gilbert, Maricopa County
- Gold Canyon, Pinal County
- Mesa, Maricopa County
- Paradise Valley, Maricopa County
- Phoenix, Maricopa County
- Queen Creek, Maricopa and Pinal counties
- San Tan Valley, Pinal County
- Scottsdale, Maricopa County
- Tempe, Maricopa County
History of Area Code 480
Area code 480 was created on March 1, 1999, when Arizona split the original 602 service area. The split assigned 480 to the East Valley and created area code 623 for the West Valley, while area code 602 remained in central Phoenix. Population growth and rising demand for telephone numbers drove the change.
In 2023, area codes 480, 602, and 623 became an overlay complex across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Existing customers kept their area codes and telephone numbers, but all three codes became available for new assignments across the broader region. Area code 480 still has its historic East Valley identity, although the code alone does not always show a number's current location.
Key Facts About Area Code 480
- Area code 480 is a geographic area code in Arizona.
- Chandler, Arizona, is the primary city associated with area code 480.
- Area code 480 is part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Mountain West region.
- Area code 480 was created from area code 602 on March 1, 1999.
- Area code 623 was created at the same time as area code 480 for the West Valley.
- The traditional 480 service area is centered in Maricopa County and extends into Pinal County.
- Area codes 480, 602, and 623 became an overlay in 2023.
- The 480 area uses Mountain Time without daylight saving time.
- Arizona State University's Tempe campus, Taliesin West, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport are notable places in the traditional 480 region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 480 in?
Area code 480 is in Arizona.
What major cities use area code 480?
Major cities using area code 480 include Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe, with portions of Phoenix and nearby communities also included.
What time zone is area code 480 in?
Area code 480 uses Mountain Time with no daylight saving time.
Is area code 480 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 480 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free number.