Where Is Area Code 857?
Area code 857 serves Boston and nearby inner suburbs in eastern Massachusetts. The service area is in the New England region of the United States and follows the same geographic territory as area code 617.
The service area includes communities in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties. Boston is the primary city, and Cambridge, Brookline, Chelsea, Everett, Milton, Newton, Quincy, Somerville, Watertown, Belmont, and Winthrop are also in the area.
Notable locations in the area include Boston Common, Fenway Park, Boston Harbor, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Charles River passes between Boston and Cambridge, and Boston Harbor borders Boston to the east.
Cities and Communities in the 857 Area Code
- Belmont, Middlesex County
- Boston, Suffolk 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 857
Area code 857 was established on May 2, 2001, as an overlay of area code 617. The overlay responded to growing demand for telephone numbers in Boston and nearby communities. It added a new code to the existing territory instead of dividing the territory into separate regions.
Area code 617 was one of the original North American Numbering Plan area codes assigned in 1947. A 1997 split created area code 781 from much of the suburban territory that had previously used 617. The 857 overlay allowed customers to keep existing 617 numbers while providers assigned new numbers with either 617 or 857.
Key Facts About Area Code 857
- Area code 857 is a geographic telephone area code in Massachusetts.
- Boston is the primary city associated with area code 857.
- Area code 857 is located in the New England region of the United States.
- Area code 857 serves portions of Suffolk, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties.
- Area code 857 is an overlay of area code 617.
- Area code 857 entered service on May 2, 2001.
- Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are located in Cambridge, which is part of the 857 service area.
- The 857 service area includes Boston landmarks such as Boston Common and Fenway Park, as well as Boston Harbor and the Charles River.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 857 in?
Area code 857 is in Massachusetts.
What major cities use area code 857?
Major cities using area code 857 include Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Newton, Quincy, and Somerville.
What time zone is area code 857 in?
Area code 857 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Is area code 857 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 857 is a geographic area code assigned to a specific region in Massachusetts, not a toll-free code.