Area Code 203

Where Is Area Code 203?

With almost one million residents, this area of the country is currently best known for its Ivy League university and excellent quality of life. Residents in New Haven enjoy living right by Yale University in a place that is characterized by its historic charm and lush trees. Area code 203 is utilized for the New Haven area as well as parts of Hartford. Because it covers such a large area, numbering relief was necessary in 2009. As a result the 475 area code was put in place as an overlay to 203 in December 2009. Residents in the 203/475 area codes must now dial all ten digits even when making local calls. Other overlays including area code 959 and 860 may be implemented in this region sometime in the future if more numbers are needed in area code 203.

As one of the largest cities in Connecticut, New Haven has a major presence in the state as well as in New England. Population growth is extremely high in the New Haven area code, which already has approximately 130,000 residents.

Yale University is located in New Haven and functions as an integral part of the city. In fact, Yale University is New Haven residents’ primary employer. Known internationally as a superior educational institution, Yale attracts intellectuals from around the world to the 203 area code. Offering many salaries that average more than $100,000, one would expect the economy in the New Haven area code to be thriving. Nevertheless, New Haven has been described by the New York Times as one of the most impoverished cities in the United States. In fact, nearly a quarter of New Haven’s population lives below the poverty line. Furthermore, the per capita income for New Haven is only around $16,000.

This portion of area code 203 has been ranked as the 18th most dangerous city in the United States. There is a great discrepancy between crime and income levels throughout New Haven’s neighborhoods. Most of the violent crimes occur in specific areas such as the neighborhoods of Newhallville, Dixwell, and Hill. In contrast, the neighborhoods of East Shore and Westville are relatively safe.

New Haven has a large political presence. Former president George W. Bush was born in the 203 area code when his father was a student at Yale. Other former presidents including Bill Clinton, William Howard Taft, and Gerald Ford also studied in New Haven, attending Yale Law School. As one of the best educational institutions in the country, it is not surprising that these presidents attended Yale University. As the first university in the United States to award the Ph.D., Yale has always been a forerunner in intellectual achievement and a training ground for political leaders.

Due to Yale’s presence in New Haven, it has a rich history. For instance, there are 59 properties in this portion of the 203 area code that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among these places is the famous Hillhouse Avenue, which is located on Yale property. This gorgeous street is home to historic mansions. Walking down Hillhouse Avenue, you will be able to see homes that were built in the early 1800s by well-known architects. The Victorian style mansions have successfully preserved an intricate part of New Haven history in their architectural style. As a result, Yale’s campus is often referred to as a walk-able museum.

Area code 203 residents enjoy excellent cuisine in addition to the vicinity’s rich history. The city caters to students with various lunch carts that are scattered throughout Yale’s campus. However, the 203 area code is most famous for its delectable pizza creations. Known specifically for its pizzas which are made in coal or wood ovens, New Haven attracts pizza lovers from all over. The pizzas here are usually made with a thin crust and many of the restaurants enjoy offering unique New England menu options such as white clam pizza. Obviously, you would not be able to easily track down a white clam pizza on the West Coast. The ethnic diversity in New Haven is also reflected in the cuisines. For example, the 203 area code is known for its eclectic Malaysian, Korean, Peruvian, Cuban, Turkish, Spanish, and even Ethiopian offerings. Interestingly, the Library of Congress recognizes Louis’ Lunch, which is located in area code 203, for inventing the country’s first hamburger.

Connecticut Area Codes By Number