Area Code 720
Where Is Area Code 720?
Updated: October 26th 2024
Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, and Westminster all use the same 720 area code. The area code 720 was created in 1998 as an overlay to the original 303 code. The 303 code was Colorado’s first area code and was split twice in 1988 and 1995. However, these splits did not give it enough numbering relief, which is why the 720 area code was necessary as an overlay in the late 1990s. Currently, residents in central Colorado must dial ten digits for local calls due to the overlay.
The liberal city of Boulder, Colorado is located right at the foothills of the famous Rocky Mountains. These mountains stretch for more than 3,000 miles all the way from parts of Canada to the United States. The Rocky Mountains frequently attract tourists for their spectacular views. However in the Boulder area code, the Rocky Mountains are right in the backyard of the University of Colorado at Boulder. With more than 30,000 undergraduate students, the University of Colorado contributes a significant number of people to Boulder’s population of 100,000.
Lakewood is also located in the 720 area code and is one of the most populous cities in Colorado. With just under 150,000 people, this portion of the 720 area code experiences a semi-arid climate. The winters in Lakewood are filled with snow, and summer temperatures go sky high. Furthermore, temperatures are known to fluctuate during the day. It is a common occurrence in the 720 area code to lie in the sun during the day and wear a down jacket at night.
The economy in the Lakewood area code is primarily fueled by the government. In fact, the Denver Federal Center has the second most Federal agencies in the United States, as Washington, D.C. obviously has the highest concentration.
Taking up over 4,000,000 sq. ft. the Denver Federal Center employs over 6,000 people. Interestingly, the National Ice Core Laboratory is located in the Denver Federal Center. Hosting ice cores from around the world, the National Ice Core Laboratory serves an important function for geological research. The school district and medical services are the next biggest employers in the 720 area code. Shopping malls have also recently started popping up, which have provided Lakewood with additional jobs. Most recently, Colorado Mills opened in 2002. Colorado Mills has brought fashion discount stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue-Off Fifth and Neiman Marcus Last Call to area code 720. Additionally, Colorado Mills has successfully added a street that offers fun restaurants, a movie theater, and even a skate park. It’s easy to see how Colorado Mills not only fuels the local economy but also functions as an entertainment hub for locals.
Westminster also uses area code 720. As a suburb of Denver, Westminster is located only a few minutes from Colorado’s capital and is accordingly one of the most populous cities in the state. This portion of the 720 area code has been previously voted as one of the best places to live in America by Money magazine. Its close proximity to the state capital has undoubtedly boosted Westminster’s wealth. Furthermore, Westminster’s serene location in the 720 area code has made it a beautiful place to call home.
Major Cities In Area Code 720
The most notable landmark in the Westminster area code is undoubtedly the famous Westminster Castle. This gorgeous red castle is centered on sprawling green grass, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 720 area code. Formally known as Westminster University, it was originally intended to be an educational institution that could possibly rival the Ivy League universities on the East Coast. However, Westminster Castle has had quite a different path through life. It first opened its doors in the early 1900s and welcomed students by only charging a $50 yearly tuition. However, WWI took from them their young students and hope for Westminster Castle as an educational institution was almost completely lost. During the 1920s, Westminster University became the home of certain nefarious meetings and gatherings. Nevertheless, Westminster Castle was able to shed its morbid past and is presently home to a Christian school for pre-Kindergarteners all the way up to high school.
