The 475 area code is a valid geographic telephone code in the United States that serves the Southwestern corner of Connecticut.
Crucially, the 475 area code is an overlay code for the entire 203 area code region. This means both codes serve the same territory, and all callers in Southwestern Connecticut are required to use 10-digit dialing (Area Code + 7-digit local number) for all calls, even if they are local.
This article details the exact location, major cities, time zone, and the essential dialing rules for the 475 area code.
Where is the 475 Area Code Located?
The 475 area code covers the most densely populated and economically significant part of Connecticut, aligning closely with the Connecticut portion of the New York metropolitan area.
| Detail | Information |
| Area Code: | 475 (Overlay of 203) |
| State: | Connecticut (CT), USA |
| Geographic Region: | Southwestern Connecticut |
| Time Zone: | Eastern Time (ET), observing EST (UTC-5) and EDT (UTC-4). |
| Date Introduced: | December 12, 2009 |
Major Cities and Counties Covered by 203/475
The 475 area code spans three major counties and serves all the largest cities in the southwestern half of the state:
- Fairfield County: Bridgeport (the largest city in the region), Stamford, Danbury, Norwalk, Greenwich.
- New Haven County: New Haven (home to Yale University), Waterbury, Meriden, Milford.
- Litchfield County: A small portion, including towns like Bethlehem and Woodbury.
The region is bordered by New York area codes to the west and south (including 914 and 845) and by Connecticut’s other area code complex (860/959) to the north and east.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Rules
The introduction of the 475 area code in 2009 as an overlay to the existing 203 area code necessitated a switch to mandatory 10-digit dialing for all calls in Connecticut.
- Dialing Within the 203/475 Region
You must dial the area code (either 203 or 475) plus the 7-digit number for every call.
- Calling the 475 Area Code from Outside the Region
To call a 475 number from anywhere else in the U.S. or Canada, the 1 + 10-digit dialing procedure is standard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the original area code for Southwestern Connecticut?
The original area code that covered this region (and the entire state of Connecticut from 1947 to 1995) is 203. The 475 code was implemented as an overlay to solve number exhaustion while allowing existing 203 users to keep their numbers.
What is the time zone for the 475 area code?
The 475 area code is entirely within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). It observes Daylight Saving Time, shifting between Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in the summer.
Is the 475 area code associated with scams?
The 475 area code is a standard domestic code in the North American system. It is not one of the international codes known for the high-cost “one-ring” scams (like 473 or 809). However, like all U.S. area codes, it is vulnerable to neighborhood spoofing by robocallers who mimic local numbers to trick you into answering. Always be wary of unsolicited calls, regardless of the area code.
How many area codes does Connecticut have now?
Connecticut currently has two operating area code complexes:
- 203/475 (Southwest/New Haven region)
- 860/959 (Northern/Hartford region)
Conclusion
The 475 area code is a core component of the telephone system in Southwestern Connecticut, serving major cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Stamford. Due to its status as an overlay of the 203 area code, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls placed within this region.
