720 area code
The 720 area code is a North American telephone area code used for the Denver metropolitan area, as well as Boulder, Longmont, Aurora, and part of the surrounding counties in Colorado. Though it was originally established as an overlay code for the preexisting 303 area code in 1998, it has since become the primary area code for the entire area, with 303 numbers becoming increasingly scarce. In this zipcode guide, we will explore the cities and towns covered by the 720 area code, as well as the demographics, climate, tourist attractions, education, healthcare, government, and administration of this vibrant region.
Area Code Basics
An area code is a three-digit number that is used to identify a specific geographical region for the purposes of routing telephone calls. It was originally established in the United States and Canada by AT&T and Bell Laboratories in 1947 to replace the previous two-letter code system. The introduction of area codes was necessary due to the rapid proliferation of telephone users and devices in the mid-20th century.
Area codes are assigned to geographic regions based on population density, with larger cities typically having their own unique area codes. As population and telephone usage continues to increase, new area codes are created to accommodate the growing demand for telephone numbers. The 720 area code was implemented as an overlay code for the 303 area code in 1998, and though it was initially intended to cover only a small portion of Colorado, it has since become the primary area code for the entire state.
Counties That Use the 720 Area Code
The 720 area code covers a total of five counties in Colorado, including:
- Adams County
- Arapahoe County
- Boulder County
- Broomfield County
- Jefferson County
Each of these counties is a part of the Denver metropolitan area, bringing the total population of the 720 area code to over 3.3 million people. The use of the 720 area code for the entire region has been in place since 2011, when it officially became the primary area code for all new telephone numbers within these counties.
Major Cities That Use the 720 Area Code
As a major metropolitan area, the Denver area is home to several large cities that use the 720 area code as their primary code. These include:
- Denver – The capital city of Colorado and the largest city in the state, with a population of over 716,000 people.
- Aurora – The third-largest city in Colorado with a population of over 366,000 people. It is a major suburb of Denver and is known for its diverse population and strong economy.
- Lakewood – Located just west of Denver, Lakewood has a population of over 156,000 and is the fifth-largest city in Colorado.
- Boulder – A city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, vibrant downtown area, and prestigious University of Colorado campus. It has a population of over 107,000 people.
Other cities using the 720 area code include Broomfield, Centennial, Commerce City, Englewood, Golden, and Highlands Ranch. With such a large and diverse population, the Denver metropolitan area offers a rich variety of culture, history, and attractions for residents and visitors alike.
Cities & Towns That Use the 720 Area Code Map
As shown on the map, the 720 area code covers a large portion of the Denver metropolitan area and its surrounding counties, including parts of the Rocky Mountains. It extends as far north as Fort Collins, east to DIA Airport, west to the Loveland area, and south to Colorado Springs.
Some of the towns that are included in the 720 area code are Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Firestone, Frederick, Erie, Platteville, and Strasburg. Each of these towns offers its own unique attractions and opportunities, making the 720 area code a diverse and exciting place to live and explore.
The Demographics of the 720 Area Code
The 720 area code has a total population of over 3.3 million people, with a median age of 36.5 years. The population is largely urban, with the vast majority of residents living in cities and towns rather than rural areas. The demographic breakdown of the area code is as follows:
- White – 68.6%
- Hispanic – 28.2%
- Black – 4.1%
- Asian – 3.4%
- Native American – 1.1%
- Other – 1.4%
The 720 area code is known for its growing diversity, with a mix of people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This diversity is also reflected in the many languages spoken in the area, with the most common besides English being Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
Geography, Climate, and Tourist Attractions
The 720 area code is located in the central part of Colorado, with the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Great Plains to the east. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, including miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic drives, and ski resorts. The region also boasts hot springs, lakes, and rivers for outdoor recreation.
The climate in the 720 area code is generally mild, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in Denver can range from the high 80s in the summer to the low 20s in the winter, with frequent fluctuations due to its high elevation. The surrounding areas experience similar weather patterns, making the region a popular destination for both summer and winter activities.
The Denver area also offers a wide range of tourist attractions, including the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Colorado State Capitol Building. Each of these attractions offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history, culture, and nature of the region.
Education, Healthcare, and Government
The 720 area code is home to numerous top-rated colleges and universities, including the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, and the Colorado School of Mines. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs and opportunities for students studying in various fields.
In terms of healthcare, the Denver area offers some of the top-rated hospitals and medical centers in the state, including the University of Colorado Hospital, the Children’s Hospital Colorado, and National Jewish Health. The area also has a network of community health clinics serving low-income and uninsured individuals.
The local government of the 720 area code is made up of a variety of city governments, county governments, and special districts. The Denver city government operates under a strong mayor-council system, with the Mayor serving as the chief executive and the City Council serving as the legislative body. The five counties in the 720 area code have their own county governments, with elected officials and departments responsible for providing essential services to residents.
Area Codes and Zip Codes in the 720 Area Code
In addition to the 720 area code, there are two other area codes that are used in Colorado – 303 and 719. The 303 area code covers the north-central and northeastern parts of the state, while the 719 area code covers the southern and southwestern areas.
The 720 area code also includes numerous zip codes, such as:
- 80002 – Arvada
- 80003 – Arvada
- 80004 – Arvada
- 80005 – Arvada
- 80006 – Arvada
- 80023 – Broomfield
- 80026 – Lafayette
- 80027 – Louisville
- 80030 – Westminster
- 80031 – Westminster
- 80110 – Englewood
- 80111 – Greenwood Village
- 80112 – Centennial
- 80113 – Englewood
- 80120 – Littleton
- 80127 – Littleton
- 80234 – Denver
- 80241 – Denver
- 80249 – Denver
- 80401 – Golden
These are just a few of the many zip codes included in the 720 area code. Each city and town in the area code has its own unique zip codes, and residents can easily find their specific zip code through an online search.
Recent Changes and Updates in the 720 Area Code
In recent years, the 720 area code has seen significant growth and development, with new businesses, job opportunities, and neighborhoods popping up throughout the region. With the explosive population growth, the demand for new telephone numbers also continues to increase.
In response to this demand, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the addition of a third area code – 983 – in the 720 area code region. This new area code will be implemented through a geographical boundary line, with all new numbers in the northwestern portion of the region receiving the 983 area code instead of 720.
The addition of a third area code is necessary to ensure that the needs of residents and businesses in the 720 area code are met, and to prevent any potential exhaustion of phone numbers in the area. This change is expected to take place in late 2021 or early 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still use my current phone number after the implementation of the new 983 area code?
Yes, if you already have a 720 or 303 area code, you will be allowed to keep your current phone number. However, all new numbers issued in the northwestern portion of the 720 area code will receive the new 983 area code.
2. Will I have to change my current phone number to a 983 area code in the future?
No, you will not have to change your current phone number unless you choose to do so. The 983 area code will be used primarily for new phone numbers in the northwestern portion of the 720 area code region.
3. How will this change affect my phone bill and calling rates?
This change will not affect your phone bill or calling rates. The addition of the new 983 area code will not change the way calls are made or charged within the 720 area code region.
4. What should I do if someone gives me a phone number with the new 983 area code?
If you receive