The 637 area code serves the Central Coast region of California, including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. It operates as an overlay for the original 805 area code, meaning both codes serve the exact same geographic territory.
If you’ve seen a phone number with a 637 prefix, this guide will explain its location, the history behind its creation, and the important requirement for 10-digit dialing in this scenic part of California.
Where is the 637 Area Code Located?
The 637 area code is located along California’s Central Coast, a region known for its beautiful beaches, wineries, and coastal cities. It was introduced to provide new phone numbers for the area originally covered solely by the 805 area code. Think of 637 and 805 as two area codes sharing the same map.
- State: California
- Major Counties: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura
- Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (observing Pacific Standard Time, PST, and Pacific Daylight Time, PDT).
The introduction of 637 did not change any existing phone numbers; it simply added a new source of numbers for new customers and lines.
What Cities and Counties Use the 637 Area Code?
The 637 area code, along with 805, covers a diverse and popular region of California. If you have a number with this area code, it is located in or around one of these communities:
Major Cities in Area Code 637:
- Santa Barbara
- San Luis Obispo
- Ventura
- Oxnard
- Santa Maria
- Thousand Oaks
- Simi Valley
- Paso Robles
The area code covers all of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, most of Ventura County, and a small portion of Monterey County.
History of the 637 Area Code and the Overlay Plan
The 805 area code has served California’s Central Coast for decades. Due to the region’s continued growth and the increasing demand for new phone numbers for cell phones and other devices, the supply of available 805 numbers began to run out.
To address this, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved an overlay plan. The new 637 area code was officially put into service in June 2024.
What is 10-Digit Dialing?
A key result of an overlay plan is the implementation of mandatory 10-digit dialing. 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 637 number or an 805 number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 637 and 805?
Geographically, there is no difference. Both area codes serve the exact same cities and counties on the Central Coast. The only distinction is when the phone number was assigned; 637 numbers were issued to new customers starting in mid-2024.
If I have an 805 number, will it change to 637?
No. A major benefit of an overlay plan is that all existing phone numbers remain the same. If you have an 805 number, you will keep it.
What time zone is area code 637?
The 637 area code is in the Pacific Time Zone. It observes Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8) and Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7) during the summer months.
Is the 637 area code a scam?
No, 637 is a legitimate and official area code for California’s Central Coast. However, scammers can “spoof” any phone number, including those in the 637 area code. You should always be cautious when answering calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the 637 area code is an overlay that serves the same region as the 805 area code in California, covering Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. The presence of both area codes makes 10-digit dialing a necessity for all local calls. It stands as a modern solution to the growing demand for phone numbers in one of California’s most iconic regions.
