We kicked off our “Inside Scoop” series with NYC, so it’s only fitting we now jet across the coast to dive into Los Angeles, the most iconic city on the West Coast. 🏝️🌞 🌊
As someone who’s been in the “phone number” business for over a decade, I must admit I was pleasantly amused to see just how much the LA area code was used in pop culture during my youth. Like, who would have thought the phone number John Goodmans character used in “The Big Lebowski” was a 323 LA number. It’s always fun learning about the stories behind a city’s area code, LA is no exception.
A numbers game
First, you won’t be surprised that it was no accident that after Manhattan’s famed 212 area code, you get 213. These numbers were originally assigned based on city population sizes—the lower the digits, the easier it was to dial on those old rotary phones and switchboards. It’s like a numeric nod to the cities that mattered most back in the day.
The rise of the 213
The 213 area code, which initially covered all of Los Angeles, has been around since the early days of the telephone, it’s one of the original 86 area codes created by AT&T and the Bell System in 1947. It originally covered Southern California, stretching from the Mexican border to the Central Coast. 1
As L.A. expanded and its population boomed, so did the demand for new numbers. By the late ’80s, 213 was running out of digits.
To address this, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) split 213 into two new area codes in 1991: 310 for the Westside and 818 for the San Fernando Valley. But even that wasn’t enough to keep up with the city’s rapid growth. 2
A new era, the 323
By the late ’90s, 213 was again on the brink of exhaustion. This time, rather than splitting the area code, the CPUC introduced an overlay. On June 13, 1998, the 323 area code was born, covering the same central L.A. region as 213. It meant folks could keep their 213 numbers while new residents got 323.
Did you know? The decision to overlay 323 over 213 instead of splitting it was partly to avoid the confusion and inconvenience of changing phone numbers for existing customers. This approach has become more common as demand for new numbers continues to rise.
Today, 323 is as much a part of L.A.’s identity as palm trees and traffic jams.
You’ll find LA area codes everywhere
Sort of like when you buy a certain brand car, all of a sudden you see them everywhere.
In the 1990s, rap groups like Cypress Hill and rappers such as Snoop Dogg often referenced their area codes, not sure if they get credit but using area codes to “rep” your hood is pretty commonplace nowadays.
Other examples of were the LA area code was used in music:
Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic”: Dr. Dre mentioned 213 in his 1992 album, “The Chronic,” which sort of defined West Coast rap as we know it.
Ludacris’ “Area Codes”: Ludacris’ 2001 song “Area Codes” featured 213 among other area codes.
Kendrick Lamar: Often references 213 in his songs, showing his roots in Compton.
Warren G’s “Regulate”: The 1994 hit “Regulate” included a shout-out to 213.
The 213 Supergroup: The supergroup 213, with Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and Nate Dogg, named themselves after the area code.
But wait, there’s more…
- “Tommy Tutone – 867-5309/Jenny” – This 1981 hit features a phone number that, while not specific to L.A., first caught on the West Coast. Good luck getting this one out of your head once you hear it!
The song 867-5309 would never work now because it doesn't include the area code.
— Machine Pun Kelly 🇺🇦 (@KellyScaletta) June 11, 2024
That's right kids. There was a time when you didn't need to include the area code if it was a local call.
In movies / shows
- “L.A. Law” – This classic legal drama from the ’80s and ’90s frequently featured Los Angeles phone numbers in its storylines.
- “Clueless” – Who can forget Cher (Alicia Silverstone) giving her number to Christian in this iconic 1995 flick set in Beverly Hills?
- “Entourage” – HBO’s hit series about Hollywood life often showed L.A. phone numbers as the characters navigated their entertainment careers.
- “The Big Lebowski” – In this 1998 cult classic, John Goodman’s character, Walter Sobchak, gives out his number as “323-555-1234” to a rival bowler.
So I hope you had fun reading this, as opposed to the usual boring content you’ll see out there from VoIP companies … “10 ways virtual numbers can help your real estate business”…. 🥱🥱🥱
If there’s an area code you’d like us to do next feel free to drop a comment below.
Need a 323 or 213 Number?
If you’re looking to score a Los Angeles number, whether it’s the historic 213 or a 323 area code, we’ve got you covered. And if you need to port-in your existing number, we can handle that too.
Footnotes
- NPA (Area) Codes – NANPA
- Why a New Area Code is Necessary – California Public Utilities Commission (PDF) – (overlap map image credit)
