Newark, New Jersey

Where Is Area Code 973?

Area code 973 is in northern New Jersey. It serves Newark and many nearby communities in the northern part of the state. The region sits just west of New York City and is part of the larger New York metropolitan area.

Area code 973 covers all or parts of Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties. Major cities and communities in the 973 area include Newark, Paterson, Morristown, Passaic, Bloomfield, Montclair, West Orange, Wayne, Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Dover. Newark is the largest city commonly tied to the area code.

The 973 area includes urban, suburban, and rural places. It reaches from dense cities like Newark and Paterson to parts of the Highlands and the Kittatinny Valley in Sussex County. Notable places in the broader 973 region include the Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson, Branch Brook Park in Newark, and parts of the Watchung Mountains.

History of Area Code 973

Area code 973 was created on June 1, 1997. It was split from area code 201, which had originally covered all of New Jersey in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan. The split happened because northern New Jersey needed more telephone numbers as population and phone use grew.

Area code 862 was added as an overlay to 973 on November 1, 2001. That change meant new numbers in the same geographic area could use either 973 or 862. Because of the overlay, 10-digit dialing became necessary for local calls in the 973 region.

Key Facts About Area Code 973

• Area code 973 is in New Jersey, and Newark is the major city most often associated with it.
• Area code 973 serves northern New Jersey, including all or parts of Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties.
• Area code 973 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
• Area code 973 was created on June 1, 1997, in a split from area code 201.
• Area code 862 overlays area code 973 and began service on November 1, 2001.
• Area code 973 covers important cities and towns such as Newark, Paterson, Morristown, Montclair, Wayne, and Parsippany-Troy Hills.
• The 973 region includes well-known sites such as the Great Falls of the Passaic River, a National Historical Park in Paterson.
• Major institutions in the 973 area include New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, Montclair State University in Montclair, and Rutgers University-Newark in Newark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 973 in?

Area code 973 is in New Jersey.

What major cities use area code 973?

Major cities and communities that use area code 973 include Newark, Paterson, Morristown, Passaic, Montclair, Wayne, and Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Is area code 973 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 973 is a geographic area code in northern New Jersey.