Get a 201 Area Code Phone Number Today

Get a 201 Area Code Phone Number Today

New Jersey is only 8,722 square miles, making it one of the smallest states in land area. The only smaller states are Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island. 

However, New Jersey is home to more than 9.2 million residents, with a population density of more than 1,260 people per square mile. The only place in the USA with a higher population density is Washington, D.C. 

The incredible population density is why New Jersey uses ten different area codes. The 201 area code services one of the smaller areas in the Garden State, but it’s instantly recognizable throughout the state. 

You could say that 201 is the “Bruce Springsteen” of area codes. If you’re looking for a New Jersey area code, there’s nothing more iconic than 201. 

With its proximity to New York City, the 201 area code offers big city sights in a bite-sized manner. The 201 area code covers all of northeastern New Jersey, meaning that if you’re in the area, you can start your visit in Jersey City. 

About Jersey City

The 201 NPA (North American Numbering Plan Area, or “area code”) originally serviced the entire state of New Jersey. 

Over the years, it’s slowly been reduced and now only covers the northeastern parts of the state. The land mass that uses 201 might be small, but it’s home to one of the biggest cities in the state: Jersey City.

Jersey City is the third largest city in the New York Metropolitan area, just behind New York City and Newark. Jersey City and Hudson County are often considered the “sixth borough” of New York City.

The area's colossal population can largely be attributed to people wanting to escape the high costs and congestion of the Big Apple. 

Take in sweeping sights of Upper New York Bay with the Hudson River at the forefront of a picturesque view. Spend the day touring Ellis Island before visiting the Liberty Science Center. Then, discover the rest of the 201 area code all the way up and down New Jersey’s coastline. 

Hackensack is home to the New Jersey Naval Museum, while you’ll find the famous Teardrop Memorial in Bayonne. From the New York Harbor flowing waters of the Hudson River, nearly everything in the 201 area code is picture-perfect.

What Region Does Area Code 201 Service?

The 201 area code is one of the first 86 area codes that first went into service on January 1, 1947. Initially, the entire state of New Jersey used the 201 area code. However, its geographical coverage has been slowly replaced by other numbers over the years as the state’s population has grown. 

When they first split the 201 area code in 1951, its coverage was reduced to just the northern part of Jersey, serving counties such as Hudon, Somerset, Sussex, Middlesex, and Bergen. Then, after rapid population growth in the 1980s, the 201 area code was split further and used as the go-to area code for northeastern New Jersey, covering most of Hudson County and Bergen County, stretching to the Hudson River and New York City. 

The History of 201

Transportation and Fun Facts

Perhaps the most attractive aspect of Jersey City is its incredible transportation system. The Port Authority PATH Subway System, Pulaski Skyway, Holland Tunnel, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System, Lincoln Tunnel, New Jersey Turnpike Extension, and the NY Waterway Ferries join dozens of public bus lines to provide a wide variety of transit options. 

The nearby Hoboken Terminal services more than 50,000 commuters daily and is among the busiest transportation hubs in the country

These are a few additional noteworthy facts about Jersey City:

  • The Port of New York and New Jersey is based in Jersey City, the third largest port in the country and the most extensive complex on the East Coast.
  • 13 of the 15 tallest buildings in New Jersey were built in Jersey City, with the largest being 99 Hudson Street which is 900 feet tall (41st in the U.S.). 
  • The Liberty Island National Park and Ellis Island Immigration Station are in Jersey City, which surrounds the Statue of Liberty. 
  • The Hudson Tubes Powerhouse, Liberty Science Center, and Jersey City Medical Center are historical landmarks in the downtown area. Make sure to look up these destinations when you head to the Eastern time zone. 

The Newport-Pavonia Neighborhood is one of the first settlements on the western bank of the Hudson River and features world-class high-rise residences, shopping, and entertainment.

Overlays: What To Know When Dialing

In 2001, the 201 area code was overlaid with the 551 area code. Today, both area codes serve the same areas of northeastern New Jersey, although the 201 area code is nearing exhaustion much quicker than 551 numbers. The former is also much more prominent in the larger cities of Jersey City, Bayonne, Paramus, and Kearney.

In terms of New Jersey area codes, the 201 area code is the smallest geographically. However, it serves some of the state’s most well-known counties and cities. Stretching from the Hudson River in the north down to Jersey City and Bayonne in the south, the 201 area code serves Hoboken, Hackensack, and nearly most of both Hudson (population of 634,266) and Bergen counties (population of 905,116).

Jersey City is the major city that uses 201, but these are some of the other cities in the area code map:

  • Union City 
  • Bayonne 
  • Hoboken 
  • West New York 
  • Hackensack 
  • Kearny 
  • Fort Lee 
  • Bergenfield
  • Elmwood Park
  • Englewood
  • Park Ridge

How Do You Get a 201 Area Code?

You can try to get a 201 area code in a few ways. The only thing is that most of them are unlikely to work.

Here are the three best options for getting a 201 area code:

Call Your Service Provider

People move all around the United States during their lives. It’s not a wild request to call your service providers, such as AT&T or Verizon, and ask for a local number. It’s no big deal to the service provider, so it’s an easy way to please their customer. 

The problem is that there has to be one available. You saw how many people live in the 201 service area. Plus, it’s been used since before color television was even a dream. 

It’s improbable that there are 201 numbers not currently in use. Even if you did get a number, you would have to update everyone in your contact list. 

Buy a Phone in Jersey

Phone numbers are assigned their area code based on where they’re bought and set up. You could travel to northeastern Jersey, buy a phone, and set it up during your trip. You can probably imagine the multiple problems with this plan.

The main issue is the cost. You need to travel to Jersey, buy a phone, and add it to your service plan. 

That could be several hundred dollars up front and a much bigger monthly phone bill. As if that wasn't bad enough, there’s no guarantee that a number would be available. You might spend all that money and get an area code of 561 or 973 instead.  

Download the Burner App

The only way to guarantee a 201 area code is to download the Burner app. You’ll receive a phone number with a randomized seven-digit number and an area code of your choice. No new numbers. No new phones. No trips to Jersey. Just a second phone number with an area code of your choice.

The way that it works is simple. Any calls or texts sent to your second number are rerouted through Burners and transferred to your device. You’ll have access to two numbers with a single device and get all the benefits of having a second phone with none of the hassles. 

The Takeaway

If you’re looking for a New Jersey area code, none are more authentic than 201. The 201 area code is the oldest in the state and formerly serviced all of New Jersey. The problem with getting a 201 area code is that there aren’t many open numbers left. 

You could ask your phone service provider to switch your number or buy a phone in Jersey City. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get a 201 area code using these options. Even if you succeed, there are several drawbacks to both plans. 

Downloading the Burner app is more convenient than changing your number and cheaper than buying a new phone. Plus, you can choose whatever area code that you want instead of hoping to get assigned 201. It’s the only way to guarantee that you’ll get the area code of your choice. 

Visit Burner today to download the app and start your free seven-day trial. You can join the millions of New Jersey residents with a 201 area code over the years. 

Sources:

201 Area Code | All Area Codes

Port of New York and New Jersey adds fees for ocean carriers as shipping containers pile up | CNBC

7 reasons why Hoboken Terminal will make for a miserable commute this summer | NJ.com

Why Jersey City Is Becoming New York City’s 6th Borough | Catalyst

Population density in the U.S., by state 2021 | Statista

Moving Without Changing Your Cellphone Number: A Predicament for Pollsters | Pew Research Center Methods

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