When you see a phone number with the 213 area code, it immediately evokes images of palm trees, movie studios, and big city energy. But where exactly is the 213 area code located in California? What makes this area code so significant, and why does it carry such a cool, almost iconic, reputation?
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 213 area code, including its history, the specific neighborhoods it covers, how it fits into the broader area code system in California, and even why it became something of a cultural symbol in popular media. Let’s jump in!
A Quick Answer to Start
The 213 area code is primarily associated with Los Angeles, California—specifically the downtown LA area and some of the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s one of the oldest and most historically significant area codes in the United States, and over the years, it has become synonymous with the heart of LA itself.
A Brief History of the 213 Area Code
The 213 area code has roots that stretch back to the very beginning of area codes in the United States. It was one of the original 86 area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was introduced.
Back then, 213 covered a massive swath of Southern California. It wasn’t just Los Angeles—it included much of the surrounding region as well, including places like Orange County, parts of the Inland Empire, and the South Bay.
But as the population in Southern California exploded in the latter half of the 20th century, the demand for phone numbers soared. This led to a series of area code splits.
Splits and Shrinks: How 213 Became Just LA
To accommodate the growing number of telephone users, the original 213 area code underwent multiple splits:
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1951: The 714 area code was created, taking away some of Orange County and surrounding areas.
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1984: 818 was introduced to cover the San Fernando Valley.
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1991: The 310 area code split off to serve the Westside and South Bay areas.
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1998: The 323 area code was carved out to serve neighborhoods surrounding downtown LA, further shrinking 213.
Today, after all those changes, the 213 area code is tightly focused on downtown Los Angeles and some of its closest neighborhoods.
What Areas Are Covered by the 213 Area Code?
Though it once covered a wide swath of Southern California, the 213 area code now mainly covers the central part of the City of Los Angeles.
Here are some of the key neighborhoods and regions within the 213 area:
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Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
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Chinatown
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Little Tokyo
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Koreatown (parts)
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Pico-Union
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Westlake
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University Park (home to USC)
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Historic Core
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Arts District
Because of overlays and numbering changes, some of these areas may also use other area codes like 323, but 213 still holds a special place in the city’s communication system.
Why Is the 213 Area Code So Iconic?
Even with many newer area codes popping up around California, the 213 area code remains iconic. Why?
1. Historic Significance
It’s one of the original area codes, and that alone gives it a legacy. People love tradition, and the 213 is as old-school LA as it gets.
2. Downtown LA Cool Factor
DTLA has gone through a massive transformation over the past couple of decades. What was once considered rundown has become a hotbed of culture, nightlife, tech startups, luxury lofts, and art galleries. And all of this development is tied to the 213 area code.
3. Pop Culture and Music
The number “213” has appeared in countless songs, movies, and pop culture references—especially in hip-hop. Artists like Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg helped popularize the 213 area code, even naming their group “213” as a tribute to their Southern California roots.
4. Vanity Numbers and Businesses
Because of its prestige and history, businesses are willing to pay a premium for a 213 area code. It signals that you’re located in downtown LA or at least associated with the vibrant, influential city center.
Overlay with 323: Sharing the Same Space
In 2017, the California Public Utilities Commission implemented an overlay for the 213 area code, introducing the 323 area code into the same geographic region. That means both area codes now serve the same area, and new phone numbers in downtown LA might receive a 323 prefix instead of 213.
This also means that ten-digit dialing (area code + phone number) is mandatory, even for local calls within LA.
So, while 213 is still in use, it’s now more exclusive, and getting a 213 number is considered a bit of a status symbol.
Fun Facts About the 213 Area Code
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213 is LA’s OG – It was the first area code in the city, making it a kind of original brand for Los Angeles.
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You might hear “two-one-three” in lyrics or films referencing LA—it’s often used as shorthand for representing the city’s soul.
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Harder to get – Because the area is small and 213 numbers are in high demand, businesses often snap them up when available.
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Pop culture ties – Songs like “213” by Snoop Dogg, and other West Coast hip-hop anthems, have immortalized the area code.
How Area Codes Reflect Culture and Identity
It might sound odd at first, but area codes often take on cultural meaning—especially in large, diverse cities like Los Angeles. A 213 area code doesn’t just mean you live in downtown LA; it means you’re part of the urban heartbeat of the city.
From business cards to rap lyrics, having a 213 number has become a badge of honor. It signals authenticity, history, and a deep connection to one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in the world.
How to Get a 213 Number (If You Want One)
Want to join the ranks of those with a 213 area code? It’s not impossible, but it’s competitive.
Your options:
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Buy from a reseller – Some businesses sell or lease 213 numbers. They can be pricey!
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Virtual phone services – Companies like Google Voice, Grasshopper, and others sometimes offer custom area codes when choosing a new number.
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Move your business – If you’re opening a new office in downtown LA, your phone provider may be able to assign you a 213 number—if any are available.
Pro tip: If a 213 number is important to your personal brand or business identity, act fast. They’re in high demand and go quickly.
Other LA Area Codes to Know
If you’re navigating the greater Los Angeles area, here’s a quick list of some other area codes you’ll come across:
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310/424 – West LA, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills
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818/747 – San Fernando Valley
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323 – Surrounding DTLA, East LA, Hollywood
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562 – Long Beach and Southeast LA County
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626 – San Gabriel Valley
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661 – Northern LA County
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909/951 – Inland Empire
Still, none of them quite carry the iconic ring of the 213 area code.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Number
The 213 area code is far more than just a prefix—it’s part of LA’s cultural identity. Rooted in history, central to the city, and embedded in music and media, 213 symbolizes more than just geography. It represents the pulse of downtown Los Angeles, a city within a city, filled with ambition, creativity, grit, and glamour.
So, the next time you see a phone number starting with 213, you’ll know it’s not just a random sequence—it’s a statement, a location, and a legacy.
