240 area code

The 240 area code covers a large portion of Maryland, specifically the western and southern regions. This area code was first created in 1997 as a split from the original 301 area code, which covered the entire state of Maryland at the time. The 240 area code was implemented to accommodate the rapidly growing population and increase the availability of phone numbers in the region. If you live in, or have business in the 240 area code, here is all the important information you need to know.

FAQs

1. What cities are included in the 240 area code?

The largest city in the 240 area code is Germantown, with a population of over 90,000. Other major cities include Gaithersburg, Frederick, Rockville, and Hagerstown. There are also numerous smaller towns and communities within the area code.

2. What counties are included in the 240 area code?

The 240 area code covers 11 counties in Maryland. These counties are Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, Charles, Washington, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Allegany, Garrett, Carroll, and Howard.

3. Is the 240 area code expected to change or split again?

As of now, there are no plans for the 240 area code to change or split. The 240 area code has enough available phone numbers to support its current population, but it is always possible that changes could be made in the future if necessary.

4. Are there any special dialing instructions for calling within the 240 area code?

No, if you are calling within the 240 area code, you do not need to dial any special codes or prefixes. Simply dial the 10-digit phone number as you normally would.

5. Can I keep my current phone number if I move within the 240 area code?

Yes, you can keep your current phone number if you move within the 240 area code. This is known as “local number portability” and allows you to keep your phone number even if you change phone service providers or move to a different location within the area code.

Area Code Map

To help you visualize the 240 area code and its coverage area, here is a map of Maryland with the 240 area code highlighted in blue. As you can see, the 240 area code covers a large portion of the state, including both suburban and rural areas.

(insert map of 240 area code)

Population, Geography, and Climate

The 240 area code has a diverse population of over 2.9 million people. Germantown is the most populated city in the area code, but there are also many other cities and towns with their own unique communities and cultures.

The geography of the 240 area code is varied, with both urban and rural areas. The eastern part of the area code is closer to the coast and has a more humid, subtropical climate, while the western part is more mountainous and has a more continental climate. This diversity in geography also means a diverse range of outdoor activities and natural beauty to explore.

Tourist Attractions

The 240 area code has something for everyone when it comes to tourist attractions. For history buffs, there are many historical sites and museums, including the Antietam National Battlefield and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Nature lovers can visit the Catoctin Mountain Park or the Great Seneca Creek Greenway for hiking and outdoor activities. Other popular attractions include the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, Six Flags America amusement park, and the Rockville Town Square for shopping and dining.

Education

There are many renowned educational institutions within the 240 area code, including Montgomery College, Frederick Community College, and Hood College. The region is also home to several top-ranked public and private K-12 schools, providing quality education for students of all ages.

Healthcare

The 240 area code has a strong healthcare system, with numerous hospitals and medical centers serving its communities. Some notable facilities include the Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown and the Frederick Health Hospital.

Government and Administration

The 240 area code falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Maryland and its counties. Each county has its own government structure and services, with county offices located throughout the region for easy access. Residents in the 240 area code also have representation at the state level through their elected representatives in the Maryland General Assembly.

Area Codes and Zip Codes in the 240 Area Code

The 240 area code is not the only area code in Maryland. In fact, Maryland currently has 4 other area codes in use: 301, 410, 443, and 667. These additional area codes were created to meet the growing demand for phone numbers and to prevent the 240 area code from becoming too overcrowded.

As for zip codes, there are too many to list individually, but here are some examples of major cities and their corresponding zip codes within the 240 area code:

• Germantown – 20874, 20876, 20878
• Gaithersburg – 20877, 20878, 20879
• Rockville – 20850, 20851, 20852
• Frederick – 21701, 21702, 21703
• Hagerstown – 21740, 21742, 21746

Recent Changes and Updates

As mentioned earlier, there are currently no planned changes for the 240 area code. However, it is always possible that changes could be made in the future as the population continues to grow and the demand for phone numbers increase. We will update this section with any significant changes or updates that may occur.

Q&A

Do you have a question about the 240 area code that wasn’t covered in this article? Submit it here and we will do our best to answer it.

Q: Is the 240 area code a toll-free number?

A: No, the 240 area code is a regular long-distance phone number. Toll-free numbers typically start with the area codes 800, 888, 877, 866, or 855.

Q: How can I find out if a phone number is located in the 240 area code?

A: You can visit a reverse phone lookup website and enter the phone number to find out its location and area code. Keep in mind that some phone numbers can be transferred between area codes, so it’s not always a guarantee.

Q: Are international calls included in the 240 area code?

A: No, the 240 area code is for domestic calls within the United States and Canada. To make international calls, you will need to dial the international calling code (011), followed by the country code and phone number.

Q: Is there a charge for calling within the 240 area code?

A: This depends on your phone service provider and your phone plan. Some providers offer unlimited domestic calling, while others may charge per minute or per call. Check with your provider for more information.

Q: Can I switch my phone service provider within the 240 area code?

A: Yes, you can switch phone service providers within the 240 area code. Just make sure to check with your current provider about any contracts or fees before making the switch.

In Conclusion

The 240 area code is a diverse and growing region in Maryland, with numerous cities and towns, educational and healthcare institutions, and tourist attractions. Keep this article as a handy reference for any information you need on the 240 area code, and make sure to check back for updates and changes.