Area Code 509

Where Is Area Code 509?

Area code 509 is the area code for the eastern portion of Washington. Area code 509 is located in the Pacific Time Zone and covers 21 counties of Washington. Area code 509 was put into use on January 1, 1957, and was created from a split of area code 206.

Located on the Spokane River in eastern Washington, Spokane is the second largest city in the state and the county seat of Spokane County. Spokane is known as the “Lilac City” because the lilac flowers were introduced to the area in the early 20th century and have prospered since then. Together the Upper Falls and Lower Falls on the Spokane River make up the largest urban waterfall in the United States.

Unfortunately the crime rate in Spokane is so high that the city is among the top five most dangerous cities in Washington. The majority of crimes in the city tend to be focused around the downtown city center and its surrounding area. Beginning in 2010, the Spokane Police Department was put under investigation due to many officer-involved shootings and allegations of excessive force. In the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in Spokane car thefts. When it comes to the economy, Spokane is the manufacturing, medical, shopping, and entertainment hub of the Inland Northwest region. Major sectors of the economy include mining, forestry, agribusiness, finance, and high technology. Downtown Spokane is home to many Romanesque Revival-style buildings such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes and the First Congregational Church of Spokane. In an effort to revitalize downtown Spokane, River Park Square, a shopping mall and entertainment complex, was redeveloped in 1999.

When it comes to sports, Spokane has a sports friendly atmosphere even though there are no major professional sports teams based in the city. The area residents are active in many spectator and participant sports, including the annual Lilac Bloomsday Run and Hoopfest. The dozens of lakes and rivers and nearby mountains allow for year-round outdoor recreation. There are numerous trails and rail trails throughout the city, with the most popular being the Spokane River Centennial Trail. Spokane is known as the birthplace of Father's Day; founded by Sonora Smart Dodd, the first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910. The Spokane Lilac Festival has been held in the city since 1938 and was put together to honor the military and showcase the region. The Lilac Bloomsday Run is an annual timed road race that attracts over 40,000 participants every year. The biggest attraction in the city is Riverfront Park, a 100-acre park located along the Spokane River that features a carousel, an IMAX theatre, a clock tower, and a small amusement park for kids. Another popular park is Manito Park, a 90-acre park that features five gardens, a greenhouse conservatory, and a duck pond. Other points of interest in the city include the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, the Avista Stadium, the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, the Spokane Convention Center, and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Yakima is the eleventh largest city in Washington and the county seat of Yakima County. Yakima has a population of 91,067 and the racial makeup of the city is 67.1% White, 41.3% Hispanic, 1.7% African American, and 1.5% Asian (2010 Census). The high crime rate makes Yakima a dangerous city to reside in. Much of the city’s economy is centered on agriculture; the Yakima Valley is an extremely productive agricultural region that is renowned for producing much of the nation's hops, a key ingredient in the production of beer. The high Hispanic population is a result of many Hispanics moving to the city to work in the agriculture industry. Yakima has a flourishing wine industry because the soil is very similar to the soil conditions of France. The main attraction in the city is the Yakima Valley Museum, a 65,000-square-foot facility that houses exhibits related to the region’s natural and cultural history. Popular annual events include the Central Washington State Fair, the Yakima Folklife Festival, and the Fresh Hop Ale Festival.

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