Comprehensive Guide to New Jersey Area Codes

The state of New Jersey has a rich telecommunication history with multiple area codes serving its northern, central and southern regions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to buy a New Jersey virtual phone number or just want to know which area codes cover New Jersey, this guide will help you understand them all.}

From Jersey City to Atlantic City, every major region of New Jersey is covered by a unique set of area codes like 201, 551, 609, 640, 732, 848, 856, 862, 908, and 973. Each number represents a region, and today we’ll explore their meanings and uses.

Quick Guide to NJ Area Codes

The telephone network in New Jersey has evolved significantly since area codes were first introduced. The state currently uses nine area codes, each designated for different geographic zones to handle high call volumes and number demand.

• 201 & 551 – Cover Jersey City, Hoboken and the northern Hudson County region.
• 609 & 640 – Serve southern and central New Jersey including Trenton and Atlantic City.
• 732 & 848 – Used in central coastal areas like New Brunswick and Toms River.
• 856 – Dedicated to the Camden and southern counties.
• 862 & 973 – Northern New Jersey including Newark and Paterson.
• 908 – Covers Union, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

The state adopted overlay codes to expand number capacity without changing existing numbers. This system keeps NJ connected seamlessly for both residential and business communication.

When and Why New Jersey Area Codes Changed

The first New Jersey area code was 201, established in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). As population and telephone use grew, new codes emerged to meet demand.

1. 201 – Created in 1947 for the entire state.
2. 609 – Split from 201 in 1958 to serve southern New Jersey.
3. 908 – Introduced in 1990 for north-central regions.
4. 973 – Added in 1997 to relieve 908.
5. 551 – Overlay for 201 launched in 2001.
6. 848 – Overlay for 732 in 2001.
7. 856 – Created for southern NJ in 1999.
8. 862 – Overlay for 973 in 2001.
9. 640 – Overlay for 609 activated in 2018.

Each addition was approved by the FCC and NANPA. Learn more about the history of U.S. area codes on Wikipedia’s Area Code page.

New Jersey Area Codes with Regions and Counties

Area Code 201 and 551 – Northern New Jersey

201 and 551 cover Hudson and Bergen counties, home to many business centers and residential areas. If you’re asking “What area code is Jersey City NJ?” – it’s 201 (or 551 overlay).

The overlay 551 was introduced to accommodate the demand for more phone numbers. Together, 201 and 551 represent New Jersey’s earliest communication zone.

Area Code 609 and 640 – Southern and Central New Jersey

609 was split from 201 and remains iconic for southern and central New Jersey. Area code 640 was introduced as an overlay in 2018 to handle growing number needs.

If you’re wondering “Where is area code 609 in New Jersey?” – it includes Atlantic County, Mercer County, Burlington and parts of Ocean County.

Learn more about the New Jersey area code overlay 640 at New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

Area Code 732 and 848 – New Brunswick to Toms River

Area code 732 was created in 1997 after splitting from 908 to serve central coastal New Jersey. The 848 overlay was added to ensure availability of new lines.

If you’re looking for “counties covered by New Jersey area code 732,” they include Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties.

For more about central NJ geography, visit Wikipedia’s Central Jersey page.

Area Code 856 – Camden and Gloucester Region

To accommodate South Jersey’s demand, 856 was created in 1999. It includes Camden City, Cherry Hill, Vineland and nearby areas.

Businesses near Philadelphia often choose 856 for local presence across the Delaware River. If you’re targeting customers in Camden County or Gloucester, 856 is your code of choice.

See Wikipedia’s 856 page for more details about coverage and history.

Area Codes 862 and 973 – Essex and Passaic Counties

Area code 973 was introduced in 1997 after splitting from 201 and 908 to serve Essex, Passaic, and Morris counties. 862 supplements 973 so that residents keep their existing numbers.

If you’re asking, “Is area code 862 in northern New Jersey?” — yes, it serves the same region as 973

Read the official overlay announcement from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA).

Area Code 908 – Union and Somerset Regions

Area code 908 was established in 1990 after splitting from 201. It remains one of the most recognizable codes for business owners and residents alike.

If you’re searching “What region covers area code 908 in NJ?” — it includes Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Morris Counties.

Learn more about the region’s economy and connectivity at NJ.gov official state portal.

Getting a Business Number in NJ

Getting a New Jersey virtual number is easy and fast with modern VoIP and cloud communication systems. Here’s how you can set up one today:

1. Visit a reliable VoIP service provider like Bling Cloud CCaaS.
2. Choose your preferred NJ area code – 201, 551, 609, 640, 732, 848, 856, 862, 908, or 973.
3. Select the type of number you need – local, toll-free, or mobile business line.
4. Complete business verification and number setup.
5. Start calling and receiving texts from your NJ business number instantly.

With Bling Cloud’s CCaaS system, you can centralize calls, SMS, and CRM communication from one dashboard. This makes your virtual number a complete communication hub for sales and support.

If you need a local presence in Newark, Jersey City, or Atlantic City without opening an office, a New Jersey virtual phone number helps you achieve that instantly.

Why Choose an NJ Area Code for Your Company

A local area code does more than connect calls—it builds trust and accessibility. Below are the key benefits of using a New Jersey number for your business operations:

• Customer Familiarity: Customers are more likely to answer a call from a local area code like 201 or 732.
• Scalability: Easily add new numbers or agents as your team expands without hardware limitations.
• Cost Efficiency: VoIP systems reduce call rates compared to traditional lines.
• Professional Image: A local NJ number adds professionalism for startups and established brands alike.
• Unified Communication: Sync calls and messages directly with your CRM and support tools.
• AI Automation & Analytics: With Bling Cloud CCaaS, you get AI-driven call insights, speech analytics and performance metrics.

Companies across finance, real estate, healthcare, and e-commerce use New Jersey area codes to stay close to their local audience. For example, a startup in California can launch an east-coast sales campaign using a 732 virtual number without opening a physical office.

Check out FCC’s Telephone Numbering Resources for more information on number portability and compliance.

Need help choosing the right area code? Explore Bling Cloud’s Communication Platform as a Service (CCaaS) to compare features and pricing.

The Role of Area Codes in New Jersey’s Communication Network

With millions of residents and thousands of businesses, New Jersey needed multiple area codes to handle growing communication needs. Each area code reflects a region’s identity and makes local communication efficient and traceable.

From corporate hubs in Jersey City to shore towns along Atlantic City, each region depends on its area code for smooth connectivity

As new technologies like VoIP and AI communication platforms emerged, New Jersey businesses began moving toward virtual phone systems that allow flexible, scalable numbers across regions.

The Growing Trend of NJ VoIP Adoption

Today, companies across the United States are turning to New Jersey virtual numbers to expand their market reach. A virtual NJ number helps them connect with clients, run campaigns, and manage support without setting up physical offices.

VoIP systems like Bling Cloud CCaaS offer an all-in-one communication platform combining calls, SMS, CRM integration, and AI automation. This system helps teams handle leads, support, and campaigns under one virtual New Jersey number.

If your company is planning to enter the East Coast market, a New Jersey business number is a strategic start to connect with customers in cities like Newark, Hoboken, and Trenton.

You can even port your existing number to an NJ code for local recognition using compliant number portability processes, as defined by the National NANPA.

Useful References for New Jersey Numbers

• Wikipedia – Area Codes 201 & 551
• Wikipedia – Area Codes 609 & 640
• Wikipedia – Area Codes 732 & 848
• Wikipedia – Area Code 856
• Wikipedia – Area Codes 862 & 973
• FCC – Telephone Numbering Resources
• New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
• North American Numbering Plan Administrator
• Wikipedia – Telephone Numbers in the U.S.
• YouTube – How Area Codes Work Explained

All these resources provide deeper insight into the structure, regulation, and importance of New Jersey area codes for local and international communication.

Summary of NJ Area Code Guide

Whether you’re a resident curious about “what are the area codes for New Jersey” or a business searching “how to get a virtual phone number with a New Jersey area code,” this guide has everything you need.

From 201 to 973, each area code contributes to the Garden State’s strong communication ecosystem. As technology evolves, virtual phone numbers and AI-powered VoIP platforms like Bling Cloud are redefining how businesses connect with customers in New Jersey and beyond.

New Jersey Area Code FAQs