301 area code

The 301 area code is a telephone area code that covers most of western and southern Maryland, including the major cities of Rockville, Frederick, and Gaithersburg. It also includes parts of northern Virginia and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. The 301 area code was one of the first area codes to be assigned in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1947. It is overlaid by the 240 area code, which was added in 1997 to ensure an adequate supply of phone numbers for the growing population in the region.

Which Counties Use the 301 Area Code?

The following counties in Maryland use the 301 area code: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, and Washington. In Virginia, the 301 area code covers the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William. In West Virginia, the 301 area code includes the counties of Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, and Morgan.

Major Cities in the 301 Area Code

Rockville, Frederick, and Gaithersburg are the largest cities in the 301 area code, with populations of approximately 69,000, 65,000, and 63,000, respectively. Other major cities in the 301 area code include Bowie, Hagerstown, College Park, Cumberland, Greenbelt, Laurel, and Takoma Park. The city of Bethesda is also in the 301 area code, known for its thriving business district and affluent residential areas.

All Cities & Towns in the 301 Area Code

The 301 area code includes over 200 cities, towns, and communities in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Some of the notable towns in the 301 area code include Germantown, Waldorf, Silver Spring, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, and Mount Airy in Maryland, and Leesburg, Purcellville, Herndon, and Winchester in Virginia. In West Virginia, Martinsburg, Charles Town, and Harpers Ferry are all located in the 301 area code.

Map of the 301 Area Code

The above map shows the coverage area of the 301 and 240 area codes in the states of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The purple area represents the 301 area code, while the orange area represents the overlay 240 area code.

Population of the 301 Area Code

According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of the 301 area code in 2019 was over 4.7 million people. This represents a significant increase over the last 20 years, with the 2000 census reporting a population of just over 2.8 million in the 301 area code.

Geography of the 301 Area Code

The 301 area code is located in the Piedmont region of the eastern United States, which is known for its rolling hills and fertile valleys. This area is characterized by a mixture of forested areas, farmland, and suburban development. The Appalachian Mountains run through the western part of the 301 area code, providing scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Climate of the 301 Area Code

The 301 area code experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and cool winters. The average temperature in the summer months ranges from 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the winter, temperatures can drop to the mid-20s. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 40-45 inches of rain per year.

Tourist Attractions in the 301 Area Code

The 301 area code is home to a variety of tourist attractions, including historical landmarks, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Some popular destinations include the Antietam National Battlefield, the Gettysburg National Military Park, and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in the many state parks and forests located within the 301 area code. The cities of Frederick, Annapolis, and Alexandria offer charming downtown areas with plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Education in the 301 Area Code

The 301 area code is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including the University of Maryland (College Park), Hood College, and Hood Theological Seminary. There are also many highly-rated public and private schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the 301 area code.

Healthcare in the 301 Area Code

The 301 area code has a strong healthcare system, with multiple hospitals and medical centers located throughout the region. Some of the top hospitals in the area include MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, Frederick Health, and Inova Fairfax Hospital. There are also many specialty clinics and physicians’ offices that provide a wide range of healthcare services to the community.

Government and Administration in the 301 Area Code

The 301 area code falls under the jurisdiction of multiple local, state, and federal government entities. The Maryland state government is responsible for overseeing most of the counties in the 301 area code, while Virginia and West Virginia have their own state governments. The federal government has a strong presence in the 301 area code, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and numerous other federal agencies located in the area.

Area Codes and Zip Codes in the 301 Area Code

As mentioned earlier, the 301 area code is overlaid by the 240 area code. This means that some areas in the 301 area code may also have a 240 area code. Some of the zip codes that fall within the 301/240 area codes include:

• Rockville (20850, 20851, 20852, 20853)
• Fredrick (21701, 21702, 21703, 21704)
• Gaithersburg (20877, 20878, 20879, 20882)
• Bowie (20715, 20716, 20717, 20718)
• Hagerstown (21740, 21741, 21742, 21746)
• Potomac (20854, 20859)
• Bethesda (20816, 20817, 20814)
• Leesburg (20176, 20175)
• Herndon (20170, 20171)
• Winchester (22601, 22602)

Recent Changes and Updates for the 301 Area Code

In 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the 301 area code would eventually run out of available phone numbers due to the rapid growth in the region. In response, the FCC approved an area code overlay for the 301 area code, which went into effect on June 1, 2018. This means that new phone numbers in the 301 area code will be assigned the 240 area code.

FAQs

Q: What is an area code overlay?

A: An area code overlay is a method used by telephone companies to add a new area code to a geographic region that is already served by an existing area code. In this case, the 240 area code was added to the 301 area code to ensure a continuous supply of phone numbers.

Q: Will I have to change my phone number if I have a 301 area code?

A: No, you will not have to change your phone number if you have a 301 area code. The addition of the 240 area code will only affect new phone numbers being assigned in the 301 area code.

Q: Can I still call someone with a 301 area code if I have a 240 area code?

A: Yes, calls between the 301 and 240 area codes are considered local calls and do not require any additional charges or dialing procedures.

Q: Are there any plans for a new area code in the 301 area code region?

A: At this time, there are no plans for a new area code in the 301 area code region. The addition of the 240 area code has helped to meet the demand for new phone numbers in the area.

Q: Can I request a specific area code for my phone number?

A: No, unfortunately, you cannot request a specific area code for your phone number. Area codes are assigned randomly by the telephone company based on the availability of numbers in a particular area.

Conclusion

The 301 area code is a well-known and heavily populated region in the eastern United States. While it has experienced significant growth over the years, the addition of the 240 area code has helped to ensure a continuous supply of phone numbers for the region. With its diverse communities, rich history, and range of attractions and amenities, the 301 area code is an area that continues to thrive and attract new residents and visitors alike.