Area Code 779

Where Is Area Code 779?

Area code 779 covers the quickly growing city of Joliet, Illinois and is also used for the nearby city of Rockford. The 779 area code was put into effect in 2007 as an overlay to the 815 area code. Population growth made the new 779 area code necessary and resulted in mandatory ten digit dialing for the entire region. The 779 and 815 area code combination covers many other cities in the Midwest, but Rockford and Joliet are undoubtedly the most well-known.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what is drawing new residents to the Joliet area code. The economy is certainly thriving and very few people live below the poverty line in area code 779. However, what is undoubtedly attracting the most residents to the 779 area code is the high quality of life.  Bicycle trails are scattered throughout the city and golf courses provide relaxing entertainment after hours. Traffic jams also rarely occur in the 779 area code, which has made Joliet a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. In fact, Joliet offers residents big city opportunities with a small town feel. An eclectic group of employers have simultaneously boosted the city’s economy and tourism appeal.

The vintage theater currently hosts a variety of entertaining shows, including concerts, plays, and even standup comedy. The Neo-Baroque style of the theater perfectly captures old Hollywood glamour and holds a history that is enviable. Performers at the Rialto Square Theatre include many legendary names. For instance, The Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, James Brown, B.B. King, Jay Leno, Dionne Warwick, and Pat Benatar have all performed within the walls of the Rialto Square Theatre in area code 779. As a result, the theatre has become a rite of passage for many newer performers such as Bethenny Frankel and the Goo Goo Dolls, who are certainly appreciative of receiving the honor of being able to perform at the renowned theatre. 

In contrast to Joliet, Rockford is the second most populated city in Illinois besides Chicago. The Rockford portion of the 779 area code is quite large and bustling. Originally a city that took pride in its trees, the Rockford area code is quite beautiful. The city produced many elm trees in the early 1900s, but Dutch Elm disease more or less wiped them out during the mid 1900s. Nevertheless, other trees remain in the city and it is easy to find a spot of shade on a hot day. Later on the city became known for its manufacturing community, but many factories were shut down in recent years. The all-American city suddenly came face to face with unemployment issues that placed it on notorious lists of worst cities by publications such as Money magazine. The economy is trying to bounce back but one in five individuals in Joliet under the age of eighteen remains below the poverty line.

Traveling to the Rockford portion of the 779 area code can be a pleasant experience. The community has quite a heavy dose of European ancestry, which has resulted in several beautiful points of interest in the 779 area code. For example, the Erlander Home Museum is a Swedish home that was built in Rockford by a successful Swedish immigrant. Additionally, the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is a fun afternoon visit as it showcases the affluent lifestyle of individuals in the late 1800s. The cottage also has a unique history, which has made it a must for local elementary school field trips as well as educational day trips. There are also several golf courses in the 779 area code, which counters the city’s more negative rankings. Obviously, if people are able to afford playing golf, the economy cannot be all that bad.

Illinois Area Codes By Number