860 area code
The 860 area code is a North American telephone area code that covers the entire state of Connecticut, United States. It was established in 1995 as an overlay area code for the previously existing 203 area code. The 860 area code serves an area of 7,000 square miles and is home to over 1.2 million people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What cities are included in the 860 area code?
A: The 860 area code covers all cities and towns in the state of Connecticut, including major cities such as Hartford, New Britain, Norwich, and Waterbury.
Q: Which counties use the 860 area code?
A: The 860 area code has 8 counties in its service area. These include Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New London, Tolland, Windham, Fairfield, and New Haven counties.
Q: How many zip codes are in the 860 area code?
A: There are over 300 zip codes in the 860 area code, with some cities and towns sharing the same zip code. Examples include Hartford and West Hartford, which both have the zip code 06105.
Q: Are there any recent changes to the 860 area code?
A: In recent years, there have been minimal changes to the 860 area code. The most notable change was the introduction of the 959 area code in 2014 as an overlay for the already existing 860 area code. This was done to ensure continued availability of phone numbers in the 860 area code.
Q: How do I know if a phone number is in the 860 area code?
A: You can determine if a phone number is in the 860 area code by looking at the first three digits of the 10-digit number. If the first three digits are 860 or 959, then the number is in the 860 area code.
Major Cities in the 860 Area Code
The 860 area code includes some of the major cities in the state of Connecticut. These cities are home to a large portion of the population and have a significant impact on the economy and culture of the state.
Hartford
Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut and is located in Hartford County. It is the fourth-largest city in the state with a population of approximately 123,000. Hartford is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and strong economy. It is home to several major insurance companies and is often referred to as the “Insurance Capital of the World”. The city also has a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with many theaters, museums, and galleries. Notable attractions in Hartford include the Mark Twain House and Museum, the Connecticut Science Center, and Bushnell Park.
New Britain
New Britain is a city located in Hartford County and is the eighth-largest city in the state with a population of approximately 72,000. It is known for its strong Polish and German influence, as well as its industrial past. New Britain is home to several museums, including the New Britain Museum of American Art and the New Britain Industrial Museum. The city is also known for its annual Polish-American festival, which celebrates the city’s rich Polish heritage.
Norwich
Norwich is a city located in New London County and is the sixth-largest city in the state with a population of over 40,000. It is known for its historical significance, as it was one of the first cities established in Connecticut. Norwich has a rich cultural scene, with many museums, art galleries, and theaters. The city is also home to the Mohegan Sun Casino, one of the largest casinos in the country.
Waterbury
Waterbury is located in New Haven County and is the fifth-largest city in the state with a population of over 108,000. It is known for its strong manufacturing industry and was once known as the “Brass City” due to its production of brass during the 19th and 20th centuries. Waterbury is also known for its numerous parks and green spaces, including the famous Waterbury Green, which is used for community events and festivals.
All Cities & Towns in the 860 Area Code
The 860 area code has over 300 cities and towns in its service area. These include smaller towns like Avon, Canton, and Essex, as well as larger cities like Bristol, East Hartford and New London. The map below shows the distribution of cities and towns within the 860 area code.
Some of the notable towns and cities in the 860 area code include:
West Hartford
Located in Hartford County, West Hartford is home to approximately 63,000 residents. It is known for its upscale shopping and dining options, as well as its highly ranked school system. The town has a strong economy, with many businesses and companies choosing to call West Hartford home.
Glastonbury
Glastonbury is a town located in Hartford County with a population of over 34,000. It is known for its beautiful parks, including the popular Riverfront Park, which offers scenic views of the Connecticut River. Glastonbury is also home to the historic Glastonbury Abbey, a popular tourist attraction.
Manchester
Manchester is a town located in Hartford County with a population of over 59,000. It is known for its diverse community, with a strong mix of cultures and backgrounds. The town has a strong retail sector, with the popular Shoppes at Buckland Hills attracting visitors from all over the state.
Niantic
Niantic is a village located in the town of East Lyme in New London County. It is known for its beautiful beaches and charming downtown area, making it a popular summer destination for tourists. Niantic also has a strong seafood industry and is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the state.
Geography and Climate
The 860 area code is located in the New England region of the United States and has a diverse landscape. The western part of the area code is more rural, with rolling hills and farmland, while the eastern part is more urban and densely populated. The Connecticut River runs through the center of the 860 area code, providing a water source for many of the cities and towns.
The 860 area code has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer months (June-August) is around 80°F, while the average temperature in the winter months (December-February) is around 30°F. The area receives an average of 45 inches of rain per year and 28 inches of snow.
Tourist Attractions
The 860 area code has many popular tourist attractions, from historic sites to outdoor activities. Some of the top attractions in the area code include:
Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is a living history museum located in the town of Stonington in New London County. It showcases the maritime history of New England and features a recreated 19th-century village with over 60 historic buildings. It also has several ships, including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world.
Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce is an amusement park located in Bristol, Connecticut. It is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, opening in 1846. The park has a mix of thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions.
Yale University
Yale University, located in New Haven, is one of the top universities in the world. The campus is open to the public and offers guided tours, allowing visitors to see the stunning architecture and learn about the university’s history and traditions.
Connecticut Wine Trail
The Connecticut Wine Trail is a collection of over 30 wineries scattered throughout the state. Many of these wineries offer tours, tastings, and special events, making it a great way to spend a day exploring the area and trying some local wine.
Education
The 860 area code is home to several top-ranked schools, including public and private universities, colleges, and primary and secondary schools. Some of the most notable institutions in the area code include:
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public research university located in Storrs, Connecticut. It is the state’s flagship university and is known for its strong academic programs and successful athletic teams. UConn also has several satellite campuses located throughout the state, making it easily accessible to students in the 860 area code.
Trinity College
Located in Hartford, Trinity College is a private liberal arts college that offers undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and international education.
Loomis Chaffee School
Loomis Chaffee is a private boarding school located in Windsor, Connecticut. It is one of the top preparatory schools in the country and has a highly competitive admissions process. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum, with a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and community service.
Healthcare
The 860 area code has a strong healthcare system, with several top-ranked hospitals and medical centers. Some of the most notable healthcare facilities in the area code include:
Hartford Hospital
Hartford Hospital, located in Hartford, is the largest acute-care teaching hospital in Connecticut. It is nationally ranked in several specialties and provides a wide range of medical services, including cancer care, heart and vascular care, and orthopedics.
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, also located in Hartford, is a Catholic hospital that offers comprehensive healthcare services to the community. It is known for its cardiovascular program and is also nationally ranked in several specialties.
Yale-New Haven Hospital
Yale-New Haven Hospital, located in New Haven, is affiliated with Yale University and is known for its cutting-edge medical care. It is nationally ranked in several specialties and has a strong focus on research and medical education.
Government and Administration
The 860 area code is governed by several cities, towns, and counties, as well as the state government of Connecticut. Some of the major government bodies in the area code include:
Connecticut General Assembly
The Connecticut General Assembly is the state legislature of Connecticut. It is made up of two houses – the House of Representatives and the Senate – and is responsible for creating and amending state laws.
Governor of Connecticut
The Governor of Connecticut is the chief executive officer of the state and is responsible for appointing department heads, proposing legislation, and managing the state budget. As of 2021, Ned Lamont is the current Governor of Connecticut.
City and Town Councils
The cities