480 area code
If you live in the southwestern part of the United States, specifically in Arizona, chances are you have come across the 480 area code. Covering a large chunk of the state, the 480 area code is not only popular among residents but also among tourists and businesses. In this article, we will dive deeper into what the 480 area code is all about and provide you with all the information you need to know. From its cities and towns, population, geography, climate, to its government and administration, you will have a comprehensive understanding of this popular area code.
What is the 480 Area Code?
The 480 area code is a telephone area code that covers a large portion of central and eastern Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and many other cities and towns. It was created in 1999 as an overlay to the 602 area code, which was running out of available phone numbers due to the rapid population growth in the state.
Currently, the 480 area code is one of the four area codes that cover Arizona, the others being 602, 520, and 928. The 480 area code serves mainly Maricopa County, one of the most populous counties in the United States.
Which Cities and Towns Use the 480 Area Code?
The 480 area code serves a total of 32 cities and towns in Arizona. Some of the major cities that use this area code include:
- Phoenix
- Mesa
- Scottsdale
- Tempe
- Chandler
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Peoria
- Avondale
- Goodyear
Aside from these major cities, the 480 area code also covers many growing towns and communities, such as Fountain Hills, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Sun Lakes, and Sun City. This means that a large part of Maricopa County falls under this area code, making it a vital part of the state’s telecommunication network.
Counties that Use the 480 Area Code
The 480 area code primarily serves Maricopa County, but it also covers a small portion of Pinal County. Maricopa County is the most populous county in the state of Arizona, with a population of over 4.5 million people. The county’s major cities, including Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tempe, all use the 480 area code.
Pinal County, on the other hand, is a smaller county with a population of around 442,000 people. Only a few cities and towns in Pinal County use the 480 area code, such as Apache Junction, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley.
All Cities and Towns in the 480 Area Code
As mentioned earlier, a total of 32 cities and towns use the 480 area code. Here is a full list of all the cities and towns in Arizona that fall under this area code:
- Aguila
- Ajo
- Anthem
- Apache Junction
- Avondale
- Carefree
- Casa Grande
- Cave Creek
- Chandler
- Donaldson
- El Mirage
- Florence
- Fountain Hills
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Goodyear
- Groom Creek
- Kyrene
- Mesa
- New River
- Payson
- Peoria
- Phoenix
- Queen Creek
- Scottsdale
- Sun City
- Surprise
- Tempe
- Tortilla Flat
- Waddell
- Wickenburg
- Youngtown
The Geography and Climate of the 480 Area Code
The 480 area code covers a diverse region in Arizona, encompassing both urban and rural areas. The area is mostly situated in the Sonoran Desert, which covers much of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The Sonoran Desert is known for its hot and dry climate, making it a popular tourist destination for those looking to escape the cold.
The cities and towns in the 480 area code have a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in summer ranges from 100-110°F, while the average low in winter ranges from 40-50°F. This warm and dry climate makes the 480 area code an excellent place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, golfing, and sightseeing.
Tourist Attractions in the 480 Area Code
The 480 area code is home to many popular tourist attractions that draw millions of visitors every year. Some of the most notable attractions include:
1. Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is located just a few hours’ drive north of the 480 area code. The massive canyon attracts over 6 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States.
2. Desert Botanical Garden
Located in Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful outdoor museum that features a wide variety of desert plants and cacti. The garden hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year and is a must-visit for nature lovers.
3. Old Town Scottsdale
Known for its western-inspired architecture, Old Town Scottsdale is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can also enjoy walking tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live music performances in this charming part of town.
4. Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is a man-made lake located in Tempe, Arizona. The 2-mile long lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities, such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can also enjoy biking or walking along the lake’s scenic shores.
5. Taliesin West
Taliesin West is a national historic landmark and former home of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can take guided tours of the house and gardens to learn about Wright’s life and his innovative designs.
Educational Opportunities in the 480 Area Code
The 480 area code also offers a variety of educational opportunities for residents and visitors. Some of the most notable educational institutions in the area include:
1. Arizona State University
Located in Tempe, Arizona State University is one of the largest public universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is renowned for its research and innovation in various fields.
2. University of Phoenix
Also based in Tempe, the University of Phoenix is a for-profit university with campuses across the country. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as online courses.
3. Scottsdale Community College
Located in Scottsdale, this community college offers a variety of associate degree programs, as well as certificates and workforce training courses. The college also has partnerships with four-year universities, allowing students to transfer credits towards a bachelor’s degree.
Healthcare and Medical Services in the 480 Area Code
The 480 area code has a variety of healthcare options for its residents and visitors. Some of the most notable hospitals and medical centers in the area include:
1. HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center
This hospital, located in Scottsdale, is a nationally recognized medical center with state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of medical services, including emergency care, cancer treatments, and surgical services.
2. Banner Desert Medical Center
This hospital, located in Mesa, has been serving the community for over 40 years. It offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including women’s health, heart care, and neuroscience.
3. Mayo Clinic Hospital
Based in Phoenix, the Mayo Clinic Hospital is a premier medical center that is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States. It offers specialized care in various fields, including cancer treatment, organ transplant, and cardiovascular health.
Government and Administration in the 480 Area Code
The 480 area code is governed by the State of Arizona, and its communities are administered by various city councils or town councils. The City of Phoenix, which is the largest city in the 480 area code, follows a council-manager government structure, where the city council is responsible for making policy decisions, and the city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city.
In smaller towns and cities, the mayor and city council members are responsible for the governing of the community. They are responsible for passing ordinances, approving budgets, and making general policy decisions for the betterment of their locality.
Area Codes and Zip Codes in the 480 Area Code
Aside from the 480 area code, there are three other area codes in Arizona: 602, 520, and 928. The 602 area code serves the central and northern parts of the state, while 520 covers most of southern Arizona. The 928 area code covers the northeastern part of the state.
The cities and towns in the 480 area code use a wide range of zip codes, with many cities sharing zip codes with those in the 602, 520, and 928 area codes. For example, the city of Mesa has zip codes such as 85201, 85202, and 85203, while Scottsdale uses zip codes such as 85254, 85258, and 85262.
Recent Changes and Updates in the 480 Area Code
Since its creation in 1999, the 480 area code has undergone some changes and updates to accommodate the growing population and demand for phone numbers. In 2007, the area code was overlaid with the 623 area code, which covers the western portion of Maricopa County.
Most recently, the Arizona Corporation Commission announced that a new area code, 764, will be introduced to the 480 and 623 area codes in 2021. This is due to the continued growth in demand for phone numbers in the Phoenix metro area. This new area code will not affect existing phone numbers, but it will be assigned to newly issued phone numbers in the area.