248 area code
The 248 area code covers a large portion of Southeastern Michigan, including parts of Oakland, Lapeer, Livingston, and Macomb counties. This area code was created in 1997 as an overlay code for the existing 810 area code. Since then, the 248 area code has become a vital part of the Michigan community, serving a population of over 1 million people.
Counties that Use 248 Area Code
The 248 area code serves portions of four counties in Southeastern Michigan. They are:
- Oakland County: This county makes up the bulk of the 248 area code, including cities like Troy, Farmington Hills, and Pontiac.
- Lapeer County: A small portion of this county is also covered by the 248 area code, including the city of Lapeer.
- Livingston County: The southern portion of this county, containing cities like South Lyon and Brighton, is within the 248 area code.
- Macomb County: A small area in the southeastern corner of this county is also served by the 248 area code, including the city of Romeo.
Together, these four counties make up a diverse and vibrant community served by the 248 area code.
Major Cities that Use 248 Area Code
The 248 area code serves several major cities in Southeastern Michigan, including:
- Troy: With a population of over 83,000, Troy is the largest city in the 248 area code. It is known for its thriving business community and excellent schools.
- Farmington Hills: This city has a population of over 81,000 and is known for its beautiful parks and nature reserves.
- Pontiac: Located in the heart of Oakland County, Pontiac has a population of over 58,000 and is known for its vibrant arts scene.
- South Lyon: This small city has a population of just over 11,000 and is known for its historic downtown district and annual festivals.
- Brighton: This city has a population of over 7,000 and is known for its charming small-town atmosphere and popular farmers market.
All Cities & Towns that Use 248 Area Code
In addition to the major cities listed above, the 248 area code also covers numerous smaller towns and communities in Southeastern Michigan, including:
- Birmingham
- Bloomfield Hills
- Clarkston
- Hazel Park
- Keego Harbor
- Lake Orion
- Milford
- Milford Township
- Novi
- Orchard Lake Village
- Pleasant Ridge
- Rochester
- Royal Oak
- Wolverine Lake
Together, these cities and towns make up the diverse and interconnected community served by the 248 area code.
Map and Population
As seen in the map above, the 248 area code covers a large portion of Southeastern Michigan, including parts of four counties. According to recent estimates, the population of the 248 area code is over 1 million people, with a median household income of $72,214.
Geography and Climate
The 248 area code is located in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, in the Great Lakes region. The topography of the area is mostly flat, with some hilly areas in the northwestern portion of Oakland County. The climate in the 248 area code is considered humid continental, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Average temperatures range from 21°F in the winter to 82°F in the summer.
Tourist Attractions
The 248 area code is home to several popular tourist attractions, including:
- Cranbrook Art Museum: Located in Bloomfield Hills, this museum features a collection of contemporary art and design.
- Detroit Zoo: The Detroit Zoo, located in Royal Oak, is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.
- Great Lakes Crossing Outlets: This shopping center in Auburn Hills offers over 185 stores and restaurants.
- Holly Recreation Area: This state park in Holly offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and swimming.
- Meadow Brook Hall: This historic mansion in Rochester was once the home of automobile pioneer John F. Dodge.
- Oakland County Farmers Market: This year-round market in Waterford offers fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.
Education
The 248 area code is home to several excellent educational institutions, including:
- Troy School District: This public school district serves the city of Troy and parts of neighboring communities.
- University of Detroit Mercy: This private university, located in Livonia, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields.
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine: This medical school, located in Pontiac, is a branch of Michigan State University.
Healthcare
The 248 area code is home to several renowned healthcare institutions, including:
- Beaumont Health System: This health system, which includes multiple hospitals and clinics, is headquartered in Royal Oak.
- St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital: Located in Pontiac, this hospital is known for its comprehensive cancer care and neurosciences programs.
- Henry Ford Medical Center-West Bloomfield: This medical center, affiliated with the Henry Ford Health System, offers a variety of healthcare services.
Government and Administration
The 248 area code is represented by multiple local governments, including:
- City of Troy: The largest city in the 248 area code, Troy has its own municipal government, including a mayor and city council.
- Oakland County: This county is governed by a county executive and a board of commissioners.
- State of Michigan: The 248 area code is located within the boundaries of the state of Michigan and is represented by multiple state legislators and a governor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there any changes or updates to the 248 area code?
A: Yes, in 2016, the 263 area code was introduced as an overlay code for the 248 area code. This means that new phone numbers may be assigned the 263 area code, but existing numbers with 248 will not be affected.
Q: What is the ZIP code of the 248 area code?
A: The ZIP codes in the 248 area code start with the numbers 480, 483, and 484. Some examples include 48098 (Troy), 48307 (Rochester), and 48442 (Holly).
Q: What is the history of the 248 area code?
A: The 248 area code was created in 1997 as an overlay code for the existing 810 area code, which was projected to run out of available numbers. This allowed for the addition of more phone numbers without having to change existing ones.
Q: What is the population of the 248 area code?
A: According to recent estimates, the population of the 248 area code is over 1 million people.
Q: Do I need to dial the area code for local calls?
A: Yes, in order to make a local call within the 248 area code, you must dial the area code followed by the 7-digit phone number.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit the 248 area code?
A: The 248 area code experiences all four seasons, so the best time to visit may depend on your personal preferences. Summer months tend to be the most popular for outdoor activities, while winter offers the opportunity for skiing and other winter sports.
Conclusion
The 248 area code is an integral part of the vibrant and diverse community of Southeastern Michigan. Home to major cities, small towns, and renowned universities and healthcare institutions, the 248 area code offers its residents and visitors a high quality of life and a variety of opportunities. Whether you’re a long-time resident or planning a visit to the area, the 248 area code has something to offer for everyone.