774 area code
The 774 area code is a telephone area code serving central and eastern Massachusetts, including the Cape Cod and the Islands region. It is one of the original area codes assigned to the state of Massachusetts in 1947 and covers an area of approximately 1,519 square miles. The 774 area code is an overlay code that was added to the existing 508 area code to provide additional phone numbers for the growing population and increasing demand for communication services. In this article, we will explore the cities and towns covered by the 774 area code, their demographics, geography, economy, and more.
Subheadings:
1. History of the 774 Area Code
2. Map of Cities and Towns in the 774 Area Code
3. Demographics of the 774 Area Code
4. Climate in the 774 Area Code
5. Tourist Attractions in the 744 Area Code
6. Education in the 744 Area Code
7. Healthcare in the 744 Area Code
8. Government and Administration in the 744 Area Code
9. Recent Changes and Updates
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. History of the 774 Area Code
The 774 area code was first put into service on May 2, 2001, as an overlay code to the existing 508 area code. An overlay code is a method of adding additional phone numbers to an area without requiring customers to change their existing phone numbers. The demand for more telephone numbers in the region was initially met by splitting the 508 area code into two separate codes – 508 for western Massachusetts and 978 for central and eastern Massachusetts. However, this solution was only temporary as the region continued to grow, and more numbers were needed. Hence, the overlay code of 774 was created.
Currently, the 774 area code covers 83 cities and towns in central and eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and the Islands. These cities and towns are located in five different counties – Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Norfolk, and Plymouth. We will explore these counties and all the cities and towns covered by the 774 area code in the next section.
2. Map of Cities and Towns in the 774 Area Code
The map below shows the cities and towns covered by the 774 area code in Massachusetts. This area is known as the Greater Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts region, and it includes the metropolitan city of Boston and its surrounding areas.
As mentioned earlier, the 744 area code covers 83 cities and towns in five different counties. These counties and their cities and towns are:
– Barnstable County
Barnstable County is located in southeastern Massachusetts and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest county in Massachusetts by land area and has a population of approximately 213,000 people. There are 13 cities and towns in Barnstable County that are covered by the 774 area code, which are:
Bourne, Mashpee, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Provincetown.
– Bristol County
Bristol County is located in southeastern Massachusetts and is bordered by Rhode Island to the south. It has a population of approximately 557,000 people and is the sixth most populous county in Massachusetts. There are 24 cities and towns in Bristol County that are covered by the 774 area code, which are:
Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Dartmouth, Dighton, Easton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Mansfield, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Westport, and the towns of Mansfield, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, and Swansea.
– Dukes County
Dukes County is located in southeastern Massachusetts and is made up of the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nomans Land. It has a population of approximately 16,000 people and is the second smallest county in Massachusetts by land area. Only the town of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in Dukes County is covered by the 774 area code.
– Norfolk County
Norfolk County is located in southeastern Massachusetts and is bordered by Suffolk County and the city of Boston to the north. It has a population of approximately 705,000 people and is the fifth most populous county in Massachusetts. There are 29 cities and towns in Norfolk County that are covered by the 774 area code, which are:
Avon, Bellingham, Braintree, Canton, Cohasset, Dedham, Dover, Foxborough, Franklin, Holbrook, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Milton, Needham, Norfolk, Norwood, Plainville, Quincy, Randolph, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, Wellesley, Westwood, Weymouth, Wrentham, and the town of Rockland.
– Plymouth County
Plymouth County is located in southeastern Massachusetts and is bordered by Norfolk County to the north. It has a population of approximately 522,000 people and is the fourth most populous county in Massachusetts. There are 16 cities and towns in Plymouth County that are covered by the 774 area code, which are:
Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Hull, Kingston, Lakeville, Marion, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Rockland, Scituate, and Wareham.
3. Demographics of the 774 Area Code
According to the United States Census Bureau, the 774 area code serves a population of approximately 2.5 million people. This includes the population of all 83 cities and towns in the five counties mentioned above. The demographic makeup of the 744 area code is quite diverse with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. Here are some key demographic facts about the 774 area code:
– The median age in the 774 area code is 39.4 years, which is slightly higher than the national median age of 37.7 years.
– The racial makeup of the 774 area code is 79.7% White, 5.5% African American, 0.3% Native American, and 4.9% Asian. The remaining 9.6% of the population consists of other races or multiple races.
– English is the most commonly spoken language in the 774 area code, followed by Spanish and Portuguese.
– The median household income in the 774 area code is $83,516, which is higher than the national average of $62,843.
– The unemployment rate in the 774 area code is 4.2%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 4.4%.
4. Climate in the 774 Area Code
The 774 area code has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The weather is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in mild temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature in the summer ranges from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and in the winter from 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit. The region experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with snowfall occurring mainly in the winter months. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also affect the area during hurricane season from June to November. It is advised for residents and tourists to stay updated on weather alerts and follow precautions during severe weather events.
5. Tourist Attractions in the 744 Area Code
The 774 area code is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its scenic beauty, historical sites, and coastal charm. Some of the popular tourist attractions in the region include:
– Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore is a 40-mile stretch of pristine sandy beaches, dunes, and marshes in Cape Cod. It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the many walking trails and bike paths in the park or visit one of the charming coastal towns along the seashore.
– Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket
These two islands off the coast of Massachusetts are a popular summer destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and laid-back vacation. Visit the quaint villages, explore the beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants on the islands.
– Plimoth Plantation
Located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Plimoth Plantation is a living history museum that recreates life in the year 1627. Visitors can experience the daily life of the Pilgrims and Native Americans who lived in the area during that time. The museum also includes a replica of the Mayflower ship, which brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620.
– New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and is dedicated to preserving the history of the American whaling industry. Visitors can tour the Whaler’s Home, explore the Seamen’s Bethel chapel, and visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum for a deeper understanding of the history and impact of whaling in the region.
– Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock is a symbol of the arrival of the Pilgrims in America and is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Although the exact location of the rock where the Pilgrims supposedly landed is unknown, the Plymouth Rock Monument serves as a tribute to this event and is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
6. Education in the 774 Area Code
The 774 area code is home to several renowned universities and colleges, including:
– University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a public research university located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. It is the fifth-largest university in the state and offers over 70 undergraduate programs and more than 40 graduate programs.
– Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University is a public liberal arts college located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It offers over 90 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate programs.
– Massasoit Community College
Massasoit Community College is a public community college located in Brockton, Massachusetts. It offers over 70 associate degree programs and certificate programs in a variety of fields.
In addition to these colleges, there are also several public and private primary and secondary schools in the 774 area code, providing quality education to the younger population.