Exploring the 659 Area Code: A Comprehensive Guide

The 659 area code is assigned to the city of Washington, District of Columbia, and its surrounding suburbs. It is part of the 202 and 301 area code overlay plan, which was implemented in 1997 to alleviate the growing demand for telephone numbers in the region. The 659 area code is the third overlay area code in the Washington metropolitan area, after 202 and 301.

History of the 659 Area Code

The 659 area code was first introduced in 1997 as an overlay code to the 202 area code. This means that the two area codes cover the same geographic area, and customers within that area can choose to use either area code. The 659 area code was initially assigned to the northern and western suburbs of Washington, D.C., including the counties of Montgomery, Prince George's, Frederick, and Loudoun.

In 2014, the 659 area code was expanded to include the southern suburbs of Washington, D.C., including the counties of Charles, Calvert, and Stafford. This expansion was necessary due to the continued growth of the Washington metropolitan area.

Demographics of the 659 Area Code

The 659 area code is home to a diverse population of over 2 million people. The area code covers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. The population is predominantly white, but there are also significant African American and Hispanic populations. The median household income in the 659 area code is $95,000, which is higher than the national average.

Economy of the 659 Area Code

The 659 area code is home to a strong economy. The area is a major center for government, technology, and education. Some of the largest employers in the area code include the federal government, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the University of Maryland, and Georgetown University.

Culture of the 659 Area Code

The 659 area code is a vibrant cultural hub. The area is home to a number of museums, theaters, and art galleries. The area is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and the Washington, D.C. Jazz Festival.

Education in the 659 Area Code

The 659 area code is home to a number of excellent schools and universities. The area is served by Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George's County Public Schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools, which are all highly ranked school districts. The area is also home to a number of private schools, including Sidwell Friends School, Georgetown Preparatory School, and Holton-Arms School.

The 659 area code is also home to a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Maryland, College Park, Georgetown University, American University, and Howard University. These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Healthcare in the 659 Area Code

The 659 area code is home to a number of excellent hospitals and medical centers. The area is served by Johns Hopkins Hospital, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, George Washington University Hospital, and Sibley Memorial Hospital. These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services, including heart surgery, cancer treatment, and organ transplantation.

Transportation in the 659 Area Code

The 659 area code is well-connected by public transportation. The area is served by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which operates the Metro subway system, the Metrobus bus system, and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter rail system. The area is also served by the MARC Train and the Amtrak Northeast Regional rail lines.

Conclusion

The 659 area code is a thriving community with a strong economy, a vibrant culture, and excellent schools and healthcare. The area is well-connected by public transportation and is home to a number of major employers. The 659 area code is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Population of the 659 Area Code

Table 2: Median Household Income in the 659 Area Code

Table 3: Educational Attainment in the 659 Area Code

Effective Strategies

1. Choose the right area code: If you are moving to the Washington, D.C. area, you will need to choose which area code you want to use. The 659 area code is a good option if you are living in the northern or western suburbs of Washington, D.C.

2. Get a local phone number: Once you have chosen an area code, you will need to get a local phone number. You can do this by contacting your phone company or by using a virtual phone number service.

3. Use a local address: When you are signing up for new services, such as utilities or cable, you will need to use a local address. This will ensure that you are getting the best rates and services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong area code: If you are calling someone in the Washington, D.C. area, be sure to use the correct area code. Using the wrong area code can result in your call being dropped or charged a higher rate.

2. Not getting a local phone number: If you are moving to the Washington, D.C. area, it is important to get a local phone number. This will make it easier for people to contact you and will also help you to avoid being charged long distance rates.

3. Using a PO Box as your address: When you are signing up for new services, it is important to use a local address. Using a PO Box as your address can result in you being charged higher rates or even being denied service.

Pros and Cons of the 659 Area Code

Pros:

• The 659 area code is a well-established area code with a strong reputation.
• The 659 area code is home to a number of major employers, including the federal government, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
• The 659 area code is well-connected by public transportation.
• The 659 area code is home to a number of excellent schools and universities.
• The 659 area code is a vibrant cultural hub with a number of museums, theaters, and art galleries.

Cons:

• The 659 area code is a relatively new area code, which means that it may not be as well-known as some other area codes.
• The 659 area code is an overlay area code, which means that it shares the same geographic area with another area code (202). This can lead to confusion when dialing phone numbers.
• The 659 area code is home to a number of major highways, which can lead to traffic congestion.
• The 659 area code is a relatively expensive area code to live in.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1:

A young woman named Sarah moved to the Washington, D.C. area from a small town in the Midwest. She was not familiar with the area codes in the Washington, D.C. area, and she accidentally used the 202 area code when she was calling her parents. Her parents did not receive her call, and she was charged a long distance rate.

What we learn: It is important to be aware of the area codes in the area where you are living. Using the wrong area code can result in your call being dropped or charged a higher rate.

Story 2:

A businessman named John moved his business to the Washington, D.C. area. He wanted to