So You Wanna Dial Up the City of Angels? Hold Up, You Need the Right Code First, Dude!
Ah, Los Angeles. City of dreams, land of bronzed surfers and questionable celebrity fashion choices. But before you can hop on a plane (or, you know, fire up your burner phone - no judgment!), there's a crucial hurdle to overcome: the area code.
You might be thinking, "Come on, how many area codes can there be in one city?" Well, buckle up, buttercup, because LA's got more area codes than it does vegan juice bars (and that's saying something).
Decoding the LA Dial Tone: A Hilarious History (Not Really, But It's Interesting)
Originally, it was all about the OG: 213. This bad boy dates back to 1947, practically making it a senior citizen in the area code world. Think Humphrey Bogart asking for a dame with a 213 number. Classy, right?
Then, in 1998, things got crowded, and 323 burst onto the scene. Imagine 213 as the cool older sibling and 323 as the rebellious teenager, all "I gotta have my own space, man!"
But wait, there's more! Fast forward to 2017, and these two area codes, tired of the teenage angst, decided to bury the hatchet and become an overlay. Basically, they said, "Hey, let's just share the spotlight."
And if you think that's enough drama for LA, think again! As of November 1st, 2024 (that's right, the future is here!), get ready to welcome newcomer 738 to the party.
So, Which Code Do I Use? Don't Panic, We've Got You Covered
Look, we know this can be confusing. Here's the skinny:
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213 and 323: These are your classic LA dudes, covering downtown and some surrounding areas. Think Hollywood glitz and glam (or at least the streets leading there).
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New kid on the block, 738: Starting this November, this shiny new code will be joining the party. No specific areas assigned yet, but it's all part of LA's ever-expanding social circle.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure, don't be afraid to ask the person you're calling. Just be prepared for an eyeroll and a "Dude, it's LA."
There you have it, folks! Your one-stop guide to navigating the wild world of LA area codes. Now go forth and dial with confidence (and maybe a little extra patience for those confused Angelenos).
