346 area code
The 346 area code is a relatively new addition to the state of Texas, having been added in 2014 to meet the growing demand for telephone numbers in the Houston metropolitan area. It serves a portion of Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties, including cities such as Houston, Pasadena, and Katy. While it is not as widely recognized as the 713 or 832 area codes, the 346 area code is an important part of the telecommunications infrastructure in this region. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the history, cities, and other key information related to the 346 area code.
History of 346 Area Code
The 346 area code was introduced on July 1, 2014, as an overlay of the 713, 281, and 832 area codes. This was necessary due to the rapidly expanding population and resulting increase in demand for telephone numbers in the Houston area. The decision to implement the 346 area code was made by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) and supported by the Texas Public Utility Commission. This was the first new area code to be added to the Houston area since the 832 area code was introduced in 1999.
In order to ease the transition for current telephone customers, the 346 area code was rolled out gradually, first as an additional overlay to the 713 and 281 area codes, and then as a complete overlay to all three. This allowed current customers to keep their existing phone numbers while new customers were assigned phone numbers with the 346 area code.
FAQs about the 346 Area Code
Q: What cities are included in the 346 area code?
A: The 346 area code serves a portion of three Texas counties: Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery. Some of the major cities within this area code include Houston, Pasadena, Katy, and The Woodlands.
Q: What area codes are neighboring the 346 area code?
A: The 346 area code is surrounded by the 713, 281, and 832 area codes, all of which were already in use in the Houston metropolitan area before the introduction of the 346 area code. These area codes also cover portions of Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties.
Q: How do I know if I have a phone number with the 346 area code?
A: If you are unsure of your phone’s area code, you can either check your own phone number or ask your service provider. You can also check the area code of any phone number by entering it into a search engine such as Google or Bing, where the area code will be displayed in the results.
Q: Will the addition of the 346 area code change how I dial a phone number?
A: No, the addition of the 346 area code does not change how you dial a phone number within the Houston area. You will still need to dial the full ten-digit number (area code + seven-digit local number) for all calls, including local calls within your own area code.
Q: How will the 346 area code affect businesses in the Houston area?
A: The addition of the 346 area code is expected to have minimal impact on businesses in the Houston area. They may need to update their marketing materials, including business cards and websites, with the new area code, but there should be no major disruptions to the way they conduct business or communicate with customers.
Cities and Towns in the 346 Area Code
The 346 area code covers portions of three counties in Texas, including Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery. This area code includes a mix of urban and suburban areas, and is home to several major cities, as well as many smaller towns and communities. Below is a list of cities and towns that are included within the 346 area code, along with their population numbers as of the 2020 US Census.
Houston (population 2,320,268)
As the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the United States, Houston is a major economic and cultural hub. It is home to many major corporations, including the energy and oil industries, as well as several professional sports teams. The city also has a rich history, with many museums and attractions dedicated to preserving its heritage.
Pasadena (population 149,043)
Pasadena is a suburban city located just southeast of Houston. It is known for its industrial and manufacturing sectors, and is home to the Johnson Space Center, headquarters of NASA’s human spaceflight program. The city also has several parks and recreational areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.
Katy (population 25,673)
Katy is a small city located west of Houston, known for its rich history and strong sense of community. It is home to the Katy Independent School District, one of the top-performing school districts in the state of Texas. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Katy Rice Festival and the Katy Independence Day Fireworks Celebration.
The Woodlands (population 116,278)
The Woodlands is a master-planned community located north of Houston. It is known for its extensive parks and trails system, as well as its vibrant business community. The city hosts several annual events, including the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and the Red, Hot, and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza.
Conroe (population 84,777)
Conroe is a small city located north of Houston, near Lake Conroe. It is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and camping. The city also has several cultural attractions, such as the Crighton Theatre and the Owen Theatre, which host regular performances and events.
Sugar Land (population 118,488)
Sugar Land is a suburban city located southwest of Houston. It is known for its excellent school system and high quality of life, making it a popular choice for families. The city has a diverse population and is home to many small businesses and large corporations.
Pearland (population 91,305)
Pearland is a suburban city located south of Houston. It is known for its affordable housing, strong economy, and top-ranked schools. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many local theaters and museums.
Cypress (population 169,052)
Cypress is a suburban community located north of Houston. It is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. The city also offers a wide range of recreational activities, including golf courses, parks, and nature trails.
Other Cities and Towns in the 346 Area Code:
- Alief
- Baytown
- Bellville
- Brookshire
- Clear Lake City
- Clute
- Crosby
- Dickinson
- Fresno
- Friendswood
- Huffman
- Humble
- Kemah
- Kirkwood
- Liberty
- Manvel
- Missouri City
- Nassau Bay
- Richmond
- Rosenberg
- Rosharon
- Seabrook
- Stafford
- Tomball
- Wallis
- Westfield
Map of the 346 Area Code
To better visualize the cities and towns included within the 346 area code, we’ve included a map below that highlights the various areas and their respective populations. While the 346 area code covers a relatively small portion of Texas, it includes several major cities and fast-growing suburban communities. Due to the concentration of population and economic activity within this area, the need for an additional area code was necessary to support the steady growth and development of this region.
Insert map of 346 area code with the aforementioned cities and towns, highlighted with different colors and population numbers.
Geography and Climate
The 346 area code is located in Southeast Texas, within the Gulf Coastal Plains region. It covers mostly flat terrain with a mix of prairies, forests, and wetlands. The region is generally humid and subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the Houston area ranges from a low of 45°F in the winter to a high of 83°F in the summer. The area also experiences occasional hurricanes and tropical storms, making hurricane preparedness an important consideration for residents.
Tourist Attractions
The Houston area is a popular destination for tourists, offering a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the top tourist attractions in the 346 area code include:
- NASA’s Johnson Space Center
- Space Center Houston
- Houston Zoo
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Children’s Museum of Houston
- Battleship Texas State Historic Site
- Galveston Island
- Kemah Boardwalk
- Hermann Park
Education
The 346 area code is served by several school districts, including the Houston Independent School District, Katy Independent School District, Pasadena Independent School District, and Fort Bend Independent School District. There are also many private and charter schools in the area, offering a variety of educational options for families.
The Houston area is also home to several notable colleges and universities, including the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and Rice University. These institutions offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for students to pursue higher education.
Healthcare
The 346 area code has access to high-quality healthcare services, with several major hospitals and medical centers located throughout the region. Some of the top hospitals in the area include Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Texas Children’s Hospital.
Government and Administration
The 346 area code falls within the jurisdiction of three counties: Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery. Each county has its own set of government officials and agencies responsible for overseeing the local communities within their jurisdiction. The city offices for each of the cities within the 346 area code also play a major role in administering local services and enforcing laws and regulations.
At the state level, the area falls within the Texas State House of Representatives District 145 and Texas State Senate District 17. The state government is responsible for overseeing major