Boston, Massachusetts

Where Is Area Code 857?

Area code 857 serves Boston and nearby communities in eastern Massachusetts. It is part of the Greater Boston region and covers the same geographic area as area code 617. This area sits in Suffolk County and extends into parts of Middlesex and Norfolk counties.

Area code 857 is used in Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Somerville, Brookline, Chelsea, Revere, Medford, Malden, and other nearby communities. The coverage area includes many dense urban neighborhoods and close-in suburbs around Boston Harbor and the lower Charles River.

Area code 857 covers one of the best-known parts of Massachusetts. Notable places in the area include downtown Boston, Boston Harbor, the Charles River, Fenway Park, Boston Common, and major campuses such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University.

History of Area Code 857

Area code 857 was established in 2001 as an overlay for area code 617. The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy approved the overlay as phone number demand grew in Boston and nearby cities. An overlay means the new code serves the same area as the older code.

Area code 617 is one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. Before 857 was added, 617 had already been reduced in size by earlier area code changes in Massachusetts, including the creation of area code 508 in 1988 and area code 781 in 1997. The 857 overlay reflected continued growth in wireless phones, fax lines, and other telecommunications services in the Boston area.

Key Facts About Area Code 857

• Area code 857 is in Massachusetts, and its primary major city is Boston.
• Area code 857 uses Eastern Time, including Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.
• Area code 857 is an overlay of area code 617, so both codes serve the same geographic area.
• Area code 857 was introduced in 2001 to add more phone numbers in Boston and nearby communities.
• Area code 857 serves parts of Suffolk County, Middlesex County, and Norfolk County in eastern Massachusetts.
• Area code 857 covers major cities and towns such as Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Somerville, Brookline, Chelsea, and Revere.
• Area code 857 serves an urban region that includes institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, Boston University, and Massachusetts General Hospital.
• Ten-digit dialing is required in the 857 and 617 service area because the two area codes share the same territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 857 in?

Area code 857 is in Massachusetts.

What major cities use area code 857?

Area code 857 is used in Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Somerville, Brookline, Chelsea, Revere, Medford, and nearby communities.

Is area code 857 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 857 is a geographic area code for Boston and nearby parts of Massachusetts.