Area Code 301
Where Is Area Code 301?
Updated: October 23rd 2024
Area code 301 was established in 1947 and formerly covered the entire state of Maryland. It remained the sole area code for Maryland for 44 years, giving Maryland the title of one of the largest states with a single area code. However the growth of the Baltimore-Washington area made it evident that Maryland needed a second area code, therefore in 1991, Baltimore and the Eastern Shore were split off as area code 410. Unfortunately that did not solve the issue and that led to area code 240 being introduced in 1997 as Maryland’s first overlay area code. Today area code 301, along with area code 240, serves the western half of Maryland.
With an estimated population of 90,676 (2013 Census), Germantown is an urbanized census-designated place in area code 301. Despite being the third most populous place in Maryland, Germantown was never incorporated officially as a town or city and therefore has no mayor or city council, so it is governed by Montgomery County. The racial makeup of Germantown was 36.3% White, 21.8% Black, 19.7% Asian, and 18.4% Hispanic (2010 Census). Since it is located 25 to 30 miles outside of Washington, D.C., it is considered an important part of the Washington metropolitan area. Germantown is divided into a downtown and six town villages: Neelsville Village, Clopper’s Mill Village, Middlebrook Village, Churchill Village, Kingsview Village, and Gunners Lake Village. Points of interest include the BlackRock Center for the Arts, a visual, cultural, and performing arts center, and the Maryland SoccerPlex, a sports complex with multiple natural grass fields, artificial fields, and indoor basketball/volleyball courts. Germantown has a humid subtropical climate, meaning hot and humid summers, mild to cool winters, and generous precipitation.
Gaithersburg is a city in area code 301 with an estimated population of 59,933 (2010 Census). The racial makeup of Gaithersburg was 31.9% White, 24.2% Hispanic, 16.9% Asian, and 16.3% Black (2010 Census).
Gaithersburg was incorporated as a town in 1878 and later upgraded to a city in 1968. It is located to the northwest of Washington, D.C. and is divided into east and west sections. Separated by Interstate 270, each section varies greatly from one another. The eastern side of the city is older and is the original part of the town before more recent development; old landmarks and buildings can be seen in a district referred to as “Olde Towne.” The eastern side is also home to Bohrer Park, Lakeforest Mall, and City Hall. On the flip side, the western side of the city is home to wealthy neighborhoods; these wealthy neighborhoods embrace New Urbanism and were constructed with smart growth techniques. Also on the western side is the Washington Center, a popular shopping/business district that offers some of the best dining, shopping, events, and office space in Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg, like Germantown, has a humid subtropical climate.
Major Cities In Area Code 301
Nicknamed Hub City, Hagerstown is a city in area code 301 with an estimated population of 39,662 (2010 Census). Its nickname comes from the vast number of railroads and roads that serve as an extensive transportation network for the city; major railroads and roads include interstates 81 and 70, Norfolk Southern, CSX, and the Winchester and Western railroads. The racial makeup of Hagerstown was 75.8% White, 15.5% Black, 5.6% Hispanic, and 1.3% Asian (2010 Census). The city has a distinct topography; stone ridges made up of Stonehenge limestone run from northeast to southwest through the center of town. Many of the older buildings and churches were also constructed of Stonehenge limestone. Since Hagerstown is known as an industrial community, its economy depends greatly on manufacturing and railroad transportation. Agriculture and tourism also provide support to the local economy. Located at the center of the Western Maryland region, Hagerstown is a 30-minute drive to historical sites such as the Antietam National Battlefield and South Mountain State Battlefield. A popular spot within the city is Hagerstown City Park, which is home to many of Hagerstown’s most visited museums such as the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and the Hager House and Museum. Festivals and events such as Downtown Live, Augustoberfest, and the Western Maryland Blues Fest occur every year in downtown Hagerstown. Hagerstown transitions between a humid subtropical climate and a humid continental climate.
