Seattle
is receiving a new area code — 564 —
starting next month
as the OG 206 runs out of available numbers.
Why it matters:
The addition marks the end of an era because 206 has been shorthand for Seattle —
stitched into merch
, social media handles and civic identity — for decades.
Driving the news:
The state Utilities and Transportation Commission
approved the rollout
of 564 for Seattle in 2023.
-
Currently, the 206 numbers will remain unchanged as stated by the UTC; however, beginning June 10, customers ”
may be assigned
”
a 564 number. - 564 has been assigned elsewhere in Washington to replace 360.
Zoom out:
Western Washington is also home to 253 (Tacoma area) 425 (East and North) and 360 (the rest of the west).
Yes, but:
As thousands of transplant residents bring their out-of-state telephone codes with them upon moving, that formerly robust connection between location and area code had started to weaken.
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