The zip code 10000 is a unique postal code exclusively associated with New York, New York, but it is not a standard zip code for general mail delivery. It is most famously linked to the main post office in Manhattan and is often used as a default or general identifier for New York City in databases.
If you’ve seen this zip code in a form, movie, or TV show and wondered about its location, this guide will explain its special status, its connection to a famous landmark, and why you can’t use it for your everyday mail.
What is the Location of Zip Code 10000?
The 10000 zip code is located in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. Specifically, it is the postal code assigned to the James A. Farley Building, which serves as New York’s main post office and is located across from Penn Station.
- City/State: New York, New York
- County: New York County (Manhattan)
- Status: Non-Geographic / Administrative
While it has a real physical location, it does not function like a typical zip code that covers a neighborhood with multiple residential and business addresses.
Why You Can’t Use 10000 for General Mail
The most important thing to understand about the 10000 zip code is that it is not a standard delivery zip code. You cannot address a letter or package to an apartment or business in Manhattan using 10000 and expect it to be delivered correctly.
The Role of a “Default” Zip Code
Because it’s a round number at the beginning of the New York City sequence, 10000 is often used as a placeholder or default zip code for “New York, NY” in online forms, databases, and software when a general, non-specific code is needed. This is one of the main reasons it is so widely known.
What Zip Code Should You Use?
The actual neighborhoods and streets surrounding the James A. Farley Building use different, specific zip codes for their mail delivery. For example, the area immediately around Penn Station and the post office is covered by the 10001 zip code. Manhattan itself is covered by dozens of zip codes, all beginning with “100” or “101”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What city and state is the 10000 zip code?
The zip code 10000 is in the city of New York, state of New York.
Can I use 10000 when filling out an online form?
If a form is asking for your personal or shipping address, you must use your actual, valid 5-digit zip code for that address. Using 10000 will likely result in a validation error or cause your package to be lost. You should only use it if a form specifically asks for a general location and provides it as an example.
What is the first real zip code in New York City?
The zip codes for Manhattan start with the prefix “100”. The zip code 10001 is one of the lowest in the sequence and is a standard, geographically-based code for the Chelsea neighborhood, covering the area around Penn Station and the Farley Post Office Building.
Is the 10000 zip code a real place?
Yes, it’s a real postal code, but it doesn’t represent a standard delivery neighborhood like most zip codes. It is tied to a specific postal facility (the James A. Farley Building) and is primarily used for administrative and default purposes.
Conclusion
In summary, the 10000 zip code is uniquely associated with New York City’s main post office in Manhattan, but it is not a standard code for mail delivery to homes or businesses. While it is a real and recognized postal code, it serves a special, administrative purpose and is often seen as a default identifier for NYC. For any actual mail or packages, you must use the specific, valid zip code for the destination address.
