279 Area Code

The 279 area code is a North American telephone area code that serves northeastern North Carolina. It was created as an overlay to supplement the existing 252 area code in late 2019 to address the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region. The area code covers parts of 33 counties and was the first overlay in North Carolina. It is primarily used in the Outer Banks region, a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and natural landscapes.

Counties that Use the 279 Area Code

The 279 area code covers parts of 33 counties in northeastern North Carolina. These countries include:

• Bertie
• Camden
• Chowan
• Currituck
• Dare
• Gates
• Greene
• Hertford
• Hyde
• Johnston
• Jones
• Lenoir
• Martin
• Nash
• New Hanover
• Northampton
• Onslow
• Pamlico
• Pasquotank
• Perquimans
• Pitt
• Tyrrell
• Beaufort
• Brunswick
• Carteret
• Craven
• Cumberland
• Duplin
• Edgecombe
• Greene
• Jones
• New Hanover
• Onslow

Major Cities that Use the 279 Area Code

There are several major cities within the above area code, including:

• Elizabeth City
• Kitty Hawk
• Rocky Mount
• Washington
• Wilmington

These cities and many other towns and communities make up the diverse and vibrant area covered by the 279 area code.

The area code covers a large area of northeastern North Carolina, including parts of 33 counties. According to the latest estimates, the total population within the 279 area code is over 1.7 million, with an average population density of 120 people per square mile.

The cities with the largest populations within the 279 area code are:

• Wilmington – 122,607
• Jacksonville – 72,447
• Rocky Mount – 54,242
• New Bern – 30,113
• Elizabeth City – 17,707

Other notable towns and communities within the above area code include Kitty Hawk, the home of the famous Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Washington, a charming waterfront town with a rich history and thriving art scene.

Geography, Climate, and Tourist Attractions in the 279 Area Code

The 279 area code is located in northeastern North Carolina, along the Atlantic coast. The region is characterized by its beautiful beaches, sprawling pine forests, and fertile farmland. It is also home to some of North Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations, including the Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast.

The climate in the above area code is generally mild, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The area is prone to hurricanes, which can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. Tourism is a significant industry in the region, with thousands of visitors visiting the coastal towns and beaches annually. In addition to its natural beauty, the area code also offers a variety of historical sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

Some famous tourist attractions in the 279 area code include:

• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• Jockey’s Ridge State Park
• Carova Beach
• The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

The above area code also has many charming beach towns and communities, such as Duck, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. These small towns offer a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and are a popular destination for vacationers looking for a beach getaway.

Education and Healthcare in the 279 Area Code

Several reputable educational institutions, including the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Elizabeth City State University, and East Carolina University, serve the 279 area code. The region also has several community colleges and technical schools, providing various educational opportunities for students of all ages.

Regarding healthcare, the area code is well-served by numerous hospitals and medical centres, including the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, and Vidant Medical Center. These facilities offer various healthcare services, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments.

Government and Administration of the 279 Area Code

The 279 area code is located within North Carolina and is served by state and local governments. The state’s government is led by the Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, and the state legislature, the General Assembly. Within the 279 area code, several local governments, such as county commissions, city councils, and school boards, are responsible for managing and providing services to their respective communities.

The introduction of the area code was overseen by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, responsible for regulating the telecommunications industry in the state and ensuring that residents and businesses have access to reliable telephone services.

Area Codes and Zip Codes that Overlap with the 279 Area Code

The above area code overlaps with several other area codes and is adjacent to others. These include:

• 252 – North Carolina – Covers most of northeastern North Carolina
• 919 – North Carolina – Covers the Gaston County area
• 910 – North Carolina – Covers the Fayetteville area
• 252 – Virginia – Covers northeastern Virginia and includes cities such as Virginia Beach and Norfolk
• 757 – Virginia – Covers eastern Virginia and includes cities such as Newport News and Hampton

In terms of zip codes, the following zip codes overlap with the 279 area code:

• 27907
• 27909
• 27920
• 27921
• 27923
• 27924
• 27926
• 27927
• 27928
• 27929
• 27932
• 27935
• 27937
• 27938
• 27939
• 27941
• 27944
• 27948
• 27950
• 27956
• 27957
• 27958
• 27959
• 27960
• 27962
• 27964
• 27965
• 27966
• 27968
• 27971
• 27972
• 27973
• 27974
• 27976
• 27979
• 27981
• 27982
• 27985
• 27986

It is important to note that some zip codes may also overlap with other area codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if a phone number is within the 279 area code?

One way to determine if a phone number is within the 279 area code is to look at the first three digits. If the number starts with 279, it is most likely within the area code’s coverage area. You can also use online area code lookup tools to confirm the location of a phone number.

2. Why was the 279 area code created?

The 279 area code was created as an overlay to supplement the existing 252 area code. This was done to address the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region and ensure enough numbers were available to serve the growing population and businesses.

3. Will I have to change my phone number if I live in the 279 area code?

No, residents and businesses with existing 252 area code numbers could keep their numbers when the 279 area code was introduced. New numbers within the coverage area will be assigned the 279 area code.

4. Do I need to add a dialling prefix when calling within the 279 area code?

No, you do not need to add any additional digits to make calls within the 279 area code. You can dial the 10-digit phone number as you normally would, even if you call within the same area code.

5. Are there any changes to the cost of calls within the 279 area code?

No, the introduction of the 279 area code did not change the cost of calls within the area code. Calls within the area code are still considered local and will be charged at the same rate.