Area Code 618

Where Is Area Code 618?

Successfully maintaining its natural beauty and resisting development, the region that makes up Southern Illinois is characterized as a paradise of agriculture. Covered by the 618 area code, Southern Illinois has not experienced major growth. As a result, the small cities located in the 618 area code will most likely keep on using the area code without any changes for at least the next several years. Area code 618 encompasses many small communities that will undoubtedly expand sometime in the distant future. A proposal for an overlay with the 730 area code does exist if numbering relief were to become necessary, even though it should not be required anytime soon.

One of the biggest landmarks in the 618 area code is the Shawnee National Forest. Spread out over nearly 300,000 acres, the forest is physically present in nine counties in Southern Illinois. Historically, locals are known to protest for the conservation of the land in Shawnee National Forest. For instance The Earth First movement, which is associated with radical notions, has also led active protests to conserve Shawnee National Forest. The forest is also home to the Little Grand Canyon, which is one of several Little Grand Canyons that are scattered across America. The Little Grand Canyon in the 618 area code is picturesque, including gorgeous sandstone and waterfalls. Beautiful views in the Shawnee National Forest lure hikers each year. However, the Little Grand Canyon portion of the 618 area code is treacherous and home to many venomous snakes.

Carbondale is one of the many cities that are located in the Southern Illinois area code. With a population that barely tops out at 25,000, it is known for its small town charm. In 2009, Carbondale won the All American City award, which further confirmed its truly American hospitality. Residents in Carbondale enjoy being part of a close knit community. Whether you are going to the post office or grocery shopping, you are bound to run into someone that you know in Carbondale. The city is characterized by typical small town gossip, which fits perfectly with the town’s motto of “Haven’t You Heard?”

Residents in the 618 area code are infamous for their activism. Southern Illinois University is located in the 219 area code, which has provided the region with enthusiastic youth that are passionate about social issues. Especially during times of war, Carbondale activists tend to make national headlines. For instance, during the Vietnam War, the Southern Illinois University campus was a hub of anti-war protests that resulted in major public chaos. More recently, activists in the 618 area code have taken a more peaceful route to protest what they deem unjust. Accordingly, Carbondale was used to host the national Green Party Congress in 2001. The Green Party in the United States is widely recognized for its environmentally friendly ideas, non violence, emphasis on diversity, and most importantly, its non-hierarchical participatory democracy. Obviously, Carbondale is a prime location for Green Party events, especially because of the Shawnee National Forest that is located in the same area code.

Carbondale has won many awards besides the All American City award. For instance, in the 1980s it was selected as one of The Best Towns in America. More recently, Carbondale was selected as one of the 101 Best Outdoor Towns in America. Residents in the 618 area code enjoy the great outdoors, and are fortunate to live in a region that is yet to be taken over by skyscrapers. The fresh air and active lifestyle of Carbondale residents was further highlighted in 2009 when it received an honorable mention for the City Livability Award. It is easy to maintain a high quality of life in a city where you can truly feel as if your neighbors care. Carbondale is one of those cities where you can expect a welcome to the neighborhood gift basket that is not filled with coupons but rather with freshly baked treats that are brought over by a curious neighbor.

Illinois Area Codes By Number