Where Is Area Code 617?
Area code 617 serves Boston and nearby inner suburbs in eastern Massachusetts, part of the New England region of the United States. Its geographic footprint includes communities in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties, with Boston as its primary city.
Communities in the area include Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Quincy, Chelsea, Everett, Belmont, Milton, Watertown, and Winthrop. Notable landmarks and features include Boston Harbor, Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, Fenway Park, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also known as MIT.
Cities and Communities in the 617 Area Code
- Boston, Suffolk County
- Belmont, Middlesex County
- Brookline, Norfolk County
- Cambridge, Middlesex County
- Chelsea, Suffolk County
- Everett, Middlesex County
- Milton, Norfolk County
- Newton, Middlesex County
- Quincy, Norfolk County
- Somerville, Middlesex County
- Watertown, Middlesex County
- Winthrop, Suffolk County
History of Area Code 617
Area code 617 was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. It initially covered most of eastern Massachusetts, making its original footprint much larger than the current Boston area.
Area code 508 split from 617 in 1988, and area code 781 split from 617 in 1997. Area code 857 was added as an overlay in 2001, so 617 and 857 now serve the same geographic area. The splits and overlay created more telephone numbers as demand for landline, business, and mobile service increased.
Key Facts About Area Code 617
- Boston, Massachusetts, is the primary city associated with area code 617.
- Area code 617 is in the New England region of the United States Census Bureau.
- Area code 617 uses Eastern Time.
- Area code 617 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.
- Area code 617 was one of the original North American Numbering Plan area codes established in 1947.
- Area code 508 split from area code 617 in 1988, and area code 781 split from area code 617 in 1997.
- Area code 857 has overlaid area code 617 since 2001.
- Harvard University and MIT are located in Cambridge, within the area code 617 service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 617 in?
Area code 617 is in Massachusetts.
What major cities use area code 617?
Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Quincy, Chelsea, and Everett use area code 617.
What time zone is area code 617 in?
Area code 617 is in Eastern Time.
Is area code 617 a toll-free number?
No, area code 617 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free number.