659 Area Code: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

The 659 area code serves the Beaumont and Port Arthur area in Texas. It was once part of the larger 409 area code, but in 1999, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) split the area code into two to accommodate the growing population.

Area Code Details

• Area Code: 659
• State: Texas
• Region: Southeast Texas
• Counties Served: Jefferson, Orange

Population and Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the 659 area code was 426,294 in 2020. The population has grown steadily over the past decade, fueled by the growth of industries such as petrochemicals, healthcare, and education.

Major Cities and Towns

The largest cities and towns in the 659 area code include:

• Beaumont
• Port Arthur
• Orange
• Nederland
• Groves

Economic Overview

The 659 area code is home to a diverse economy with major industries including:

• Petrochemicals
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Education
• Tourism

Industries in the 659 area code account for over $25 billion** in annual economic output.

Education

The 659 area code is served by several colleges and universities, including:

• Lamar University
• Lamar State College - Port Arthur
• College of the Mainland
• South Texas College

Healthcare

Healthcare is a major industry in the 659 area code, with several hospitals and medical centers located in the region, including:

• Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas
• Methodist Hospital
• St. Elizabeth Hospital
• Texas Children's Hospital

Tourism

The 659 area code offers a variety of tourist attractions, including:

• Beaumont Art Museum
• Port Arthur Museum of the Gulf Coast
• Sea Rim State Park
• Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site

Area Code Availability

Telephone numbers in the 659 area code are assigned by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA). The area code is currently available and is not expected to run out of numbers in the near future.

Effective Strategies for Using the 659 Area Code

• Use a local phone number: Having a local phone number will make you more accessible to local customers.
• Include the area code: Always include the 659 area code when dialing a local number.
• Use a virtual phone number: A virtual phone number can give you a local presence without having a physical office in the area.
• Use a toll-free number: A toll-free number can make it easy for customers outside the area code to reach you.

Pros and Cons of Using the 659 Area Code

Pros:

• Gives you a local presence
• Makes you more accessible to local customers
• Can help you build trust with local businesses

Cons:

• May limit your reach to customers outside the area code
• Can be more expensive than non-local numbers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What cities and towns are in the 659 area code?
Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, Nederland, and Groves

2. What is the population of the 659 area code?
426,294 (2020)

3. What is the major industry in the 659 area code?
Petrochemicals

4. Are there any colleges or universities in the 659 area code?
Yes, including Lamar University, Lamar State College - Port Arthur, College of the Mainland, and South Texas College

5. What are some tourist attractions in the 659 area code?
Beaumont Art Museum, Port Arthur Museum of the Gulf Coast, Sea Rim State Park, Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site

6. Is the 659 area code available?
Yes, the area code is currently available and is not expected to run out of numbers in the near future.

7. What is the best way to use the 659 area code?
Use a local phone number, include the area code when dialing, consider using a virtual phone number, or use a toll-free number.

8. Are there any drawbacks to using the 659 area code?
It may limit your reach to customers outside the area code and can be more expensive than non-local numbers.

Call to Action

If you're considering using the 659 area code for your business or personal use, we encourage you to contact your local phone company to learn more about the availability and costs.

Tables

Table 1: Population Growth in the 659 Area Code

Table 2: Major Employers in the 659 Area Code

Table 3: Tourist Attractions in the 659 Area Code