772 area code
The 772 area code is a North American telephone area code that covers the central and southeastern regions of Florida. It was established in 2002 as an overlay for the existing 561 area code, in response to the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the area. The 772 area code encompasses parts of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties, and services the cities and towns located within these counties. This area code is essential for residential, business, and governmental communication and is used by over 1.5 million people.
Counties that Use 772 Area Code
The 772 area code covers four counties in Florida: Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach. These counties are located on the east coast of Florida, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades National Park to the west. Each county has its unique characteristics, from the coastal communities in Indian River and St. Lucie counties to the rural and agricultural areas in Martin and Palm Beach counties. Over the years, these counties have experienced considerable growth, leading to an increase in the number of residents and businesses using the 772 area code.
Major Cities that Use 772 Area Code
There are several major cities and populated areas that use the 772 area code. These include:
- Vero Beach (Indian River County) – the largest city in Indian River County, known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and historic downtown area.
- Port St. Lucie (St. Lucie County) – the largest city in St. Lucie County, known for its affordable housing, recreational activities, and growing economy.
- Palm City (Martin County) – a small town in Martin County known for its quiet neighborhoods and proximity to the beaches.
- Jupiter (Palm Beach County) – a coastal town in Palm Beach County known for its affluent neighborhoods, golf courses, and outdoor activities.
These major cities, along with other smaller towns and unincorporated areas, make up the diverse and vibrant communities that use the 772 area code.
All Cities & Towns that Use 772 Area Code Map
To provide a comprehensive view of all the cities and towns that use the 772 area code, we have included a map below.
As you can see, the 772 area code covers a large area along the east coast of Florida. While some cities, such as Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie, are entirely within the 772 area code, others, like Jupiter, are split between 772 and 561 area codes.
Population, Geography, and Climate
As of 2020, the estimated population of the four counties that use the 772 area code is over 1.6 million. This has increased significantly from the population of approximately 340,000 in 1950. This steady growth can be attributed to the warm climate, beautiful beaches, and affordable living options in the area.
The geography of the area is primarily flat, with the Atlantic coast to the east and the Everglades National Park to the west. The soil is mainly sandy, making it perfect for agriculture, and the area is well-known for its citrus groves, cattle ranches, and equestrian farms.
The climate in the 772 area code is classified as humid subtropical, with warm and humid summers, and mild and dry winters. The average temperature in the summer months is high, ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s, while the winter months have average temperatures in the low to mid-70s. The area is also prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which occur mainly during the summer and fall months.
Tourist Attractions
The 772 area code is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Some of the must-see tourist attractions in the area include:
- Hutchinson Island – located on the east coast of Florida, this barrier island is known for its picturesque beaches, wildlife reserves, and watersports opportunities.
- Riverside Theatre – located in Vero Beach, this non-profit theater offers a variety of plays, musicals, and concert performances.
- Busch Wildlife Sanctuary – situated in Jupiter, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of rescued, rehabilitating, and permanently disabled animals, including Florida panthers, black bears, and bald eagles.
- Bathtub Reef Beach – located on the southern tip of Hutchinson Island, this beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling opportunities.
- Sailfish Brewing Company – based in Fort Pierce, this brewery has a range of craft beers and a laid-back atmosphere.
In addition to these attractions, the 772 area code is also known for its variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it an ideal destination for tourists of all ages.
Education
The education system in the 772 area code is extensive, with a wide range of public, private, and charter schools serving the communities. The majority of the public schools in the area are operated by the School District of Indian River County, St. Lucie County School Board, Martin County School District, and the School District of Palm Beach County. These school districts consistently rank among the top in the state, providing students with excellent educational opportunities.
In addition to K-12 education, the 772 area code is also home to several colleges and universities, including Indian River State College, Barry University, and Florida Institute of Technology. These institutions offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as continuing education opportunities.
Healthcare
The 772 area code has a robust healthcare industry, with several hospitals, medical centers, and clinics serving the local communities. Some of the most notable healthcare facilities in the area include:
- Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital – located in Vero Beach, this 332-bed hospital offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including a Level II Trauma Center and a heart and vascular center.
- St. Lucie Medical Center – based in Port St. Lucie, this 229-bed acute care facility provides specialized services in cardiac care, orthopedics, and cancer treatment, among others.
- Martin Medical Center – situated in Stuart, this 344-bed acute care hospital offers a comprehensive array of medical services, including a dedicated cancer center and a maternity unit.
- Jupiter Medical Center – located in Jupiter, this 327-bed hospital is known for its high-quality healthcare services, including specialized programs in cancer care, orthopedics, and cardiology.
In addition to these hospitals, the 772 area code is also home to numerous specialty clinics and healthcare providers, offering a variety of healthcare services to residents and visitors.
Government and Administration
The 772 area code falls within two different Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs): the Sebastian-Vero Beach MSA and the Port St. Lucie MSA. These MSAs are used by the United States Census Bureau and the Office of Management and Budget to define and track statistical areas in the United States.
The local governments in the area are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the counties, cities, and towns within the 772 area code. The government structures vary between counties and cities, but they typically include elected officials, such as commissioners and mayors, and a range of departments and services, including public safety, public works, and parks and recreation.
Area Codes and Zip Codes
In addition to the 772 area code, there are three other area codes in use in Florida: 813, 850, and 904. However, the 772 area code is the only one that covers the central and southeastern regions of the state.
Some of the cities and towns in the 772 area code also have unique zip codes, which are used for mail delivery and sorting purposes. A few examples of these zip codes are:
- Vero Beach – 32960, 32961, 32962, 32963, 32964, 32965, 32966, 32967, 32968
- Port St. Lucie – 34952, 34953, 34983, 34984, 34986, 34987
- Palm City – 34990
- Jupiter – 33458, 33468, 33469, 33477, 33478
In total, there are over 150 zip codes in the 772 area code, each serving a particular city, town, or unincorporated area.
Recent Changes and Updates
Over the years, the 772 area code has seen significant changes and updates. In 2019, the Florida Public Service Commission announced that the 772 area code was expected to exhaust its current number pool by the end of 2020. To accommodate the increasing demand for telephone numbers, the commission approved an overlay of the existing 772 area code with a new area code, 778. The overlay was implemented in March 2021 and will require all new telephone numbers to use the 778 area code.
FAQs
Q: Will my phone number change because of the 772 area code overlay?
A: No, the introduction of the new 778 area code will not affect existing phone numbers. Your current number and area code will remain the same.
Q: Do I need to dial the area code when making local calls within the 772 area code?
A: Yes, all calls within the 772 area code will require ten-digit dialing, including the area code.
Q: How do I know if a number is using the 772 or 778 area code?
A: All new numbers will be assigned the 778 area code, while existing numbers will continue to use the 772 area code. You can also check the area code of a number by using an online area code lookup tool.
Q: Will local calls within the 772 area code be charged differently now that there are two area codes?
A: No, there will be no changes to local call charges. All calls within the 772 area code, regardless of which area code is used, will be considered local calls.
Q: If I have a 772 area code and need a new phone number, will I be assigned the 772 or 778 area code?
A: All new numbers will be assigned the 778 area code, as the 772 area code is expected to exhaust its number pool soon. However, the existing numbers in use with the 772 area code will continue to be used.
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