The search query “223 area code” is asking for the geographic location and details of this three-digit telephone code.
The Area Code 223 is an overlay area code serving the South Central region of Pennsylvania, United States. It covers the exact same geographic area as the original 717 area code, which was nearing exhaustion of available numbers.
This area code is primarily associated with the state capital and the historic region known as the Susquehanna Valley, including the metropolitan centers listed below.
The Location and Major Cities of Area Code 223
Area Code 223 was introduced in 2017 as an overlay to the 717 NPA, meaning both codes serve the same physical region. This requires all callers in the area to dial 10 digits (area code + 7-digit local number) for all calls, even local ones.
Primary Location and Time Zone
- State: Pennsylvania, USA
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET), which observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
- Overlay Status: Overlay for Area Code 717 (717/223).
Major Cities Covered by the 223 Area Code
The 223 area code covers a wide and historic region of Pennsylvania, stretching from the state capital in the west to the historic Pennsylvania Dutch Country in the east. Key cities and population centers include:
- Harrisburg: The state capital and a major government and logistics hub.
- Lancaster: Known for its rich history, arts scene, and the surrounding Amish communities.
- York: A hub for manufacturing and agriculture, historically significant in the American Revolution.
- Gettysburg: Famous for the Civil War battlefield and military park.
- Carlisle & Chambersburg: Major communities in the western part of the region.
Counties Covered
The 223/717 numbering plan area includes a large portion of south-central Pennsylvania, covering all or parts of:
- Lancaster County
- York County
- Dauphin County
- Cumberland County
- Franklin County
- Lebanon County
- Adams County
Understanding the 223 Overlay
The introduction of the 223 area code was part of a necessary measure to ensure a continued supply of new telephone numbers in the region, which had been exclusively served by the 717 code for decades.
What the Overlay Means for Consumers
- No Geographic Change: The boundaries of the calling area did not change.
- Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing: To ensure calls are routed correctly, all calls (including calls between two phones in the 717/223 region) must be dialed with the area code (717 or 223) plus the seven-digit number.
- No Need to Change Numbers: Existing customers kept their original 717 phone numbers. New lines in the area are assigned either the 717 or the new 223 code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to dial 10 digits to call a 223 number?
Yes. Because the 223 area code is an overlay of the 717 area code, 10-digit dialing (Area Code + Local Number) is mandatory for all calls, even those placed locally within the same city.
Is the 223 area code considered safe from scams?
No area code is entirely safe from scams. While 223 is a legitimate US area code, scammers frequently use “caller ID spoofing” to mask their location and display local or familiar area codes like 223. If you receive an unexpected call, always be cautious and avoid providing personal information, regardless of the area code displayed.
What is the closest major city to the 223 area code?
The 223 area code actually covers several major cities, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York, Pennsylvania. It is also geographically close to the metropolitan areas served by the Baltimore, Maryland, area codes (410/443/667) to the south.
When did Area Code 223 start operating?
Area Code 223 was put into service as an overlay for the 717 area code on March 8, 2017, with 10-digit dialing becoming mandatory in September 2017.
Conclusion
The 223 area code is a vital part of the telecommunications landscape in South Central Pennsylvania. As an overlay to the original 717 area code, it serves the historically significant region encompassing Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York. For residents and businesses in this area, 223 simply represents the second pool of available phone numbers in a mandatory 10-digit dialing zone.
