The search query “609 area code” is a request for geographical information about this classic and recognizable New Jersey area code.
The 609 area code is a geographic area code located in Central and Southeastern New Jersey (NJ). It covers the state capital of Trenton, the academic hub of Princeton, and the coastal resort city of Atlantic City. The 609 area code is currently overlaid by the 640 area code, which means all local calls in this region require mandatory 10-digit dialing.
This article details the location, major cities, time zone, and the essential dialing rules for the 609/640 area code complex.
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Location and Geographic Coverage
The 609 area code is one of New Jersey’s original area code splits, known for its mix of state government, education, and coastal tourism.
Primary Location and Time Zone
- State: New Jersey (NJ), United States.
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET). This includes Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer.
Major Cities and Counties Covered
The 609 area code spans a significant portion of the southern and central part of the state. Key locations include:
- Trenton: The New Jersey state capital (Mercer County).
- Princeton: Home to Princeton University.
- Atlantic City: Famous for its casinos and boardwalk (Atlantic County).
- Coastal Communities: Includes towns along the Jersey Shore and Cape May.
- Counties: It covers most of Mercer, Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic, and Cape May counties.
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The 640 Area Code Overlay and 10-Digit Dialing
The 609 area code was the sole identifier for Southern New Jersey for 41 years until 1999 when the southwestern portion (the Philadelphia suburbs) was split off to form the 856 area code. Due to renewed exhaustion of numbers, a new code was added.
The 640 Overlay
- New Code: Area code 640 was implemented as an overlay for the 609 region, with new phone lines and services being assigned the 640 prefix starting in late 2018.
- Coverage: The 640 area code covers the identical geographic area as the 609 area code.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
Because the 609 and 640 codes share the same territory, 10-digit dialing is now required for all calls within this region.
- Rule: You must dial the full Area Code + 7-Digit Local Number for every local call, even when calling another 609 number.
- Important Exception: Calls made between the 609/640 region and the neighboring 856 area code (Philadelphia suburbs) must be dialed using 1 + Area Code + 7-Digit Local Number.
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Communication and Identity
The 609 area code is a highly valued regional identifier, instantly establishing a link to the New Jersey Shore and the state’s central governmental/educational hub.
- Local Trust: For businesses operating in this part of New Jersey, the 609 or 640 prefix serves as a strong signal of local presence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between 609 and 640?
There is no geographical difference. The 640 area code was simply added as an overlay to the entire 609 region to provide new phone numbers. Both codes serve the same cities, including Trenton and Atlantic City.
Do I need to dial ‘1’ for local calls in the 609 area?
Yes and No. You must dial 10 digits (the area code + the number) for all local calls within the 609/640 region. You also must dial 1 + 10 digits when calling between the 609/640 area and the 856 area code.
What area code covers the Jersey Shore north of 609?
The northern parts of the Jersey Shore (near Asbury Park and Toms River) are covered by the 732 area code and its overlay, 848.
