520 area code
Area code 520 is the primary area code for the southern region of Arizona, including the cities of Tucson, Sierra Vista, and Nogales. It was created in 1995 when Arizona underwent a significant area code split, and since then, it has undergone several changes and updates. Today, area code 520 covers an extensive area of 23,348 square miles and serves over 2.4 million residents. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the 520 area code and explore its cities, counties, geography, climate, tourist attractions, education, healthcare, government, and administration.
What cities use the 520 area code?
The 520 area code covers a large portion of the southern region of Arizona, including most of Pima County, Cochise County, Santa Cruz County, and small parts of Graham County and Pinal County. Some of the major cities that use the 520 area code include:
- Tucson
- Sierra Vista
- Nogales
- Casa Grande
- Florence
- Eloy
- Douglas
- Sahuarita
- Oro Valley
- Marana
Aside from these major cities, there are also many smaller towns and communities within the 520 area code. Some of these include Green Valley, Vail, Benson, Tombstone, Ajo, and Willcox. The wide coverage of the 520 area code includes both urban and rural areas, making it a diverse and dynamic region of Arizona.
Counties that use the 520 area code
The 520 area code is primarily associated with four counties in Arizona: Pima County, Cochise County, Santa Cruz County, and Graham County. These counties span from the southern border of Arizona to its central region and make up a significant portion of the state’s southern region.
- Pima County: Pima County is the most populous county in Arizona and is home to the city of Tucson, which serves as the county seat. The county is known for its diverse landscape, including the Sonoran Desert, the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the Rincon Mountains. Pima County has a population of over 1 million residents, according to the latest census data.
- Cochise County: Located on the southeast corner of Arizona, Cochise County borders with New Mexico and Mexico. The county seat is the city of Bisbee, and other major cities within the county include Sierra Vista and Douglas. Cochise County is known for its rugged terrain, including the Huachuca Mountains and the Dragoon Mountains, and is home to over 123,000 residents.
- Santa Cruz County: Santa Cruz County is situated in the westernmost part of Arizona and is located directly across from the US-Mexico border. Nogales is the county seat and is the largest city within the county. The county also includes the popular tourist destination of Patagonia Lake State Park and has a population of around 48,000 residents.
- Graham County: Graham County is located in eastern Arizona and is home to the cities of Safford and Thatcher. It is the least populated county within the 520 area code, with around 38,000 residents. Graham County is known for its scenic natural wonders, including the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and the Pinaleno Mountains.
All cities and towns that use the 520 area code
As mentioned earlier, the 520 area code covers a large area of Arizona, serving numerous cities, towns, and communities. In addition to the major cities, some of the smaller towns and communities within the 520 area code include Ajo, Amado, Arivaca, Avra Valley, Catalina, Corona de Tucson, Corona de Sonora, Elfrida, Green Valley, Harshaw, Huachuca City, Madera Canyon, Mammoth, McNeal, Oracle, Patagonia, Pomerene, Portal, Rio Rico, San Miguel, Sonoita, St. David, Sunsites, Tubac, Tumacacori-Carmen, Valencia West, and Willcox.
Each of these cities and towns adds to the rich and diverse culture of the 520 area code, offering a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. Whether you prefer cosmopolitan city life or a small-town charm, you can find it all within the 520 area code.
Map of the 520 area code
To help you visualize the extensive coverage of the 520 area code, here is a map showing the cities, towns, and counties that use the 520 area code:
As you can see, the 520 area code covers a large part of southern Arizona, including portions of five counties. The area is known for its vast, open spaces, rugged mountains, and diverse landscape, making it a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.
Population, geography, and climate of the 520 area code
The 520 area code is home to a diverse population, with a total of 2,428,000 residents, according to the latest census data. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo communities, adding to the vibrant and unique character of the region.
The southern region of Arizona is also known for its stunning geography, featuring a variety of landscapes, including deserts, forests, and mountains. The Sonoran Desert, located within the 520 area code, is the most biodiverse desert in the world and is famous for its iconic saguaro cacti.
The climate in the 520 area code is generally arid and semi-arid, with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and drop to the mid-40s in the winter. The region experiences monsoon season from June to September, bringing much-needed rain to the desert landscape.
Tourist attractions in the 520 area code
From stunning natural wonders to historical sites, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the 520 area code. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the region:
- Saguaro National Park: Located in Tucson, Saguaro National Park is famous for its iconic saguaro cacti. Visitors can explore the park’s beautiful desert landscape and learn about the unique plants and animals that call it home.
- Titan Missile Museum: This unique museum in Sahuarita offers visitors a chance to see and touch one of the most iconic Cold War-era nuclear missiles.
- Bisbee: This charming, historic town in Cochise County is known for its colorful buildings, lively art scene, and thriving tourism industry.
- Kartchner Caverns State Park: This state park in Benson boasts stunning caverns with impressive limestone formations, making it a popular destination for spelunking and guided tours.
- Tombstone: History buffs will love visiting the town of Tombstone, known for its Wild West history and famous shoot-out at the O.K. Corral.
Aside from these top tourist spots, there are also numerous outdoor activities, cultural events, and festivals that take place throughout the year in the 520 area code. With its unique geography and diverse population, there is always something to explore and experience in southern Arizona.
Education, healthcare, and government in the 520 area code
The 520 area code is home to several prestigious colleges and universities, including the University of Arizona, Pima Community College, and Cochise College. These institutions offer a variety of degree programs and contribute to the region’s highly-educated workforce.
As for healthcare, the 520 area code is served by several major hospitals and medical centers, including Banner University Medical Center, Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Sierra Vista Regional Health Center. These facilities provide quality care to the residents of the 520 area code and surrounding areas.
The government and administration of the 520 area code are managed at the state and local levels. Arizona’s state government has a governor, state legislature, and state court system, while each county has its own set of elected officials and administrative offices to manage city and county affairs.
Recent changes and updates in the 520 area code
The most recent change in the 520 area code was in 2008 when the 520 area code was overlaid with area code 428. An overlay occurs when a new area code is introduced into the same geographical area as an existing area code, with both codes serving the same area. This change was necessary due to the rapid growth of the 520 area code, which was running out of available phone numbers.
Currently, there are no planned changes or updates for the 520 area code. However, as Arizona continues to experience growth and development, there may be future updates to the area code system to accommodate a larger population.
FAQs about the 520 area code
To wrap up this guide, here are five frequently asked questions related to the 520 area code:
1. How do I know if a phone number is in the 520 area code?
If you see a phone number with the area code (520) or (520)-XXX-XXXX, it is most likely within the 520 area code. However, as mentioned earlier, some areas within the 520 area code may also use the overlay code (428).
2. What are some zip codes in the 520 area code?
Some of the most common zip codes in the 520 area code include 85701, 85621, 85635, 85650, 85718, and 85721. You can also use an online zip code lookup tool to find specific zip codes within the 520 area code.
3. Can I keep my phone number if I move to a different location within the 520 area code?
Yes, you can keep your phone number if you move to a different location within the 520 area code. This is also true for most area codes as long as you stay within the same geographical area.
4. Is the 520 area code a toll-free number?
No, the 520 area code is not a toll-free number. Calls to and from the 520 area code may incur long-distance charges depending on your phone plan.
5. Are there any special restrictions or dialing rules for the 520 area code?
No, the 520 area code follows the standard North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for dialing, which consists of a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit phone number. However, as mentioned earlier, some areas within the 520 area code may also use the overlay code (428).