The 201 area code serves the northeastern region of New Jersey, primarily covering Bergen and Hudson counties, including major cities like Jersey City, Hackensack, and Bayonne. It operates as an overlay with the 551 area code, meaning both codes serve the same geographic area.
As one of the original area codes in the United States, 201 has a rich history. This guide will explain its precise location, the communities it covers, and the important requirement for 10-digit dialing in this densely populated part of the Garden State.
Where is the 201 Area Code Located?
The 201 area code is located in the northeastern corner of New Jersey, situated directly across the Hudson River from New York City. It is a vital telecommunications hub for the New York metropolitan area.
- State: New Jersey
- Major Counties: Bergen County, Hudson County
- Major Cities: Jersey City, Hackensack, Hoboken, Bayonne
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (observing Eastern Standard Time, EST, and Eastern Daylight Time, EDT).
The 201 area code shares its geographical boundaries with the 551 area code.
What Cities and Counties Use the 201 Area Code?
The 201 area code, along with 551, covers two of New Jersey’s most populous counties. A phone number with this prefix is located in or around one of these communities:
Major Cities in Area Code 201:
- Jersey City
- Hackensack
- Bayonne
- Hoboken
- Union City
- Fort Lee
- Teaneck
- North Bergen
- Kearny
Primary Counties Served:
- Bergen County
- Hudson County
History of the 201 Area Code and the Overlay Plan
The 201 area code is one of the original 86 area codes established in 1947 and initially covered the entire state of New Jersey. As the state’s population grew, the 201 area was split several times to create new area codes like 609, 908, and 973.
By the late 1990s, the remaining 201 region was once again facing a shortage of available phone numbers. To solve this without forcing residents and businesses to change their numbers, an overlay plan was implemented. The new 551 area code was officially put into service in 2001 to serve the same territory as 201.
The Requirement for 10-Digit Dialing
A key result of this overlay plan is that mandatory 10-digit dialing is in effect. Because two different area codes exist in the same location, you must dial the full 10-digit phone number (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls. This applies whether you are calling a 201 number or a 551 number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 201 and 551?
Geographically, there is no difference. Both area codes serve the exact same cities and counties in northeastern New Jersey. The only distinction is when the phone number was assigned; 551 numbers were issued to new customers starting in 2001.
If I have a 201 number, will it change to 551?
No. A major benefit of an overlay plan is that all existing phone numbers remain the same. If you have a 201 number, you will keep it.
What time zone is area code 201?
The 201 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone. It observes Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) and Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4) during the summer months.
Is the 201 area code a scam?
No, 201 is a legitimate and official area code for New Jersey. However, because it serves a major metropolitan area, numbers from this area code are frequently used by legitimate businesses for telemarketing, but they can also be “spoofed” by scammers. You should always be cautious when answering calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the 201 area code is a historic code that serves the bustling northeastern corner of New Jersey, including all of Hudson and Bergen counties. It is part of an overlay with the 551 area code, which makes 10-digit dialing mandatory for all local calls. It represents one of the most economically important and densely populated regions in the United States.
