When a phone number starts with 213, it immediately brings to mind images of Los Angeles. This three-digit prefix is deeply connected to the city’s identity, representing the bustling energy of downtown LA, the rich history of Hollywood, and the diverse culture that defines Central Los Angeles. It’s more than just a number; it’s a piece of the city’s heritage.
People search for information about this area code for many reasons. You might have a missed call from a 213 number and wonder if it’s legitimate or a potential scam. Perhaps you’re a business owner looking to establish a local presence in the competitive LA market. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the 213 area code, from its location and history to its modern-day relevance for businesses and residents.
What Is the 213 Area Code?
The 213 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves the heart of Los Angeles, California. It is one of the state’s original and most historic area codes, making it instantly recognizable. Its boundaries primarily cover central Los Angeles, including many of the city’s most important commercial and cultural districts.
Established in 1947, the 213 area code was one of the first three area codes assigned to California, originally covering the entire southern portion of the state. Over the decades, as the population grew, it was split multiple times, creating new area codes for surrounding regions. Today, it stands as a symbol of LA’s core.
Location Map – Where Is the 213 Area Code Used?
The 213 area code location is geographically small but densely populated, centered on Downtown Los Angeles and its immediate surroundings. It encompasses a vibrant mix of business headquarters, historic neighborhoods, and cultural hotspots. If you receive a call from this area code, it’s likely originating from the urban core of LA.
Notable areas and landmarks within the 213 zone include the financial district’s skyscrapers, the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena), the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park, and the historic Olvera Street. It’s a hub of activity for finance, entertainment, fashion, and government in Southern California.
Major Cities and Neighborhoods Covered
- Downtown Los Angeles: The commercial, financial, and governmental center of the city.
- Koreatown: A dense, vibrant neighborhood known for its nightlife and restaurants.
- Hollywood (partial): While mostly in the 323 area code, parts of Hollywood fall within the 213 overlay.
- Echo Park: A trendy neighborhood known for its indie music scene and historic homes.
- Silver Lake: Famous for its creative community, modern architecture, and eclectic shops.
- Boyle Heights: A historic neighborhood east of the LA River with deep cultural roots.
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Nearby Area Codes
The 213 area code is surrounded by several others that serve the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area:
- 310: Covers West Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Malibu.
- 323: An overlay code that shares the same geographic area as 213.
- 424: An overlay for the 310 region, serving the same coastal communities.
- 818: Serves the San Fernando Valley, including Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena.
What Time Zone Is the 213 Area Code In?
The entire 213 area code is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). During standard time, it observes Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8).
Like most of the United States, California observes Daylight Saving Time (DST). From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, the area switches to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), which is UTC-7. For 2025, DST runs from March 9 to November 2. When calling a 213 number from the East Coast, remember that Los Angeles is three hours behind New York.
A Brief History of the 213 Area Code
The history of 213 is a story of Los Angeles’s explosive growth. When the NANP was created in 1947, 213 was assigned to all of Southern California, from Los Angeles down to the Mexican border. It was one of only three original area codes for the entire state, alongside 415 for Central California and 916 for Northern California.
As the population boomed, the original territory was split. In 1951, Orange County and areas to the south became 714. In 1984, the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys were assigned the 818 area code. The most famous split occurred in 1991, creating the 310 area code for the coastal and western parts of LA County. Finally, in 1998, most of the remaining area outside of downtown was split off to become the 323 area code.
Due to high demand for phone numbers, the 323 area code was reintroduced in 2017 as an overlay for the 213 territory. This means that both area codes now serve the same geographic region, and ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all local calls.
Why Is the 213 Area Code Famous?
The 213 area code holds a special prestige. As the “original LA code,” it carries an aura of authenticity and is associated with the city’s established institutions. For decades, it was the number for Hollywood studios, powerful businesses, and celebrities, cementing its place in popular culture.
This legacy continues today. A 213 number is often seen as a status symbol, signaling a connection to the city’s core. It has been referenced in music, television shows, and movies, further enhancing its cultural significance. For many, having a 213 number is a way to claim a piece of classic Los Angeles history.
Is the 213 Area Code Safe or a Spam Risk?
The 213 area code is legitimate and serves millions of residents and businesses in Los Angeles. However, like any popular area code, it is frequently spoofed by scammers for illegal robocalls and phishing attempts. Scammers use technology to make it appear as though they are calling from a local 213 number to increase the chance you’ll pick up. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regularly report on the high volume of these spoofed calls.
Signs of Potential Spam Calls
- An unknown number calls with a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act immediately.
- You hear a recorded message asking for money or personal information.
- The caller makes claims about unpaid taxes, debt collection, or winning a prize.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use a spam-blocking app on your smartphone, such as Hiya, Truecaller, or RoboKiller.
- Never share personal information like your Social Security number or bank details over the phone.
- If a caller claims to be from a known company, hang up and call them back using the official number from their website.
- Report spam calls and suspicious numbers to the FCC’s complaint center.
Why Businesses Use 213 Numbers
For businesses, having a 213 phone number is a powerful branding tool. It instantly establishes a local presence and boosts trust among consumers in the Los Angeles area. When customers see a local number, they are more likely to answer the call and view the business as part of their community.
Digital marketers, real estate agents, startups, and e-commerce brands often use 213 numbers to connect with the LA market, even if they are physically located elsewhere. A local number can also provide a slight boost to local SEO, as search engines may use it as a signal of a business’s service area.
How to Get a 213 Area Code Number
Getting a 213 number is straightforward with modern VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services. These providers offer virtual numbers that can be used on any device.
- Choose a VoIP provider: Select a service like RingCentral, Dialpad, or Grasshopper.
- Search for available numbers: Use the provider’s search tool to find available 213 phone numbers.
- Register your account: Sign up for a plan that fits your needs.
- Set up call routing: Configure settings to forward calls to your mobile phone, computer, or desk phone.
- Port an existing number (optional): If you already have a 213 number, you can usually transfer it to the new provider.
The cost for a virtual 213 number typically ranges from $5 to $20 per month, depending on the provider and the features included in the plan.
213 vs. 310 Area Code – What’s the Difference?
While both are iconic LA area codes, 213 and 310 represent different parts of the city’s geography and culture. Understanding the distinction is key to knowing where is 213 area code relevant.
| Feature | 213 Area Code | 310 Area Code |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Downtown LA, Koreatown | West LA, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills |
| Introduced | 1947 | 1991 |
| Overlay | 323 | 424 |
| Type | Urban / Business / Historic | Coastal / Residential / Entertainment |
Practical Uses for a 213 Number
Beyond prestige, a 213 number serves several practical purposes:
- Business Communication: Create a professional image for a startup or small business.
- Local Marketing: Build trust and recognition in advertising campaigns targeting Los Angeles.
- Customer Service: Offer a local support line for customers based in Central LA.
- Virtual Call Centers: Set up a distributed team that can answer calls under a unified local number.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the 213 area code remains as relevant as ever. It is a symbol of LA’s history, a marker of its economic heart, and a valuable tool in the digital age. Its prestige is rooted in decades of association with the city’s most influential people and places.
Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your business, or simply want a touch of classic LA charm, getting a 213 area code number connects you directly to the heart of Los Angeles.
FAQs
What city uses the 213 area code?
The 213 area code primarily serves Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods like Koreatown, Echo Park, and Boyle Heights.
Is the 213 area code toll-free?
No, 213 is a standard geographic area code. Calls to 213 numbers are billed at regular local or long-distance rates.
When was the 213 area code created?
It was created in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.
What time zone is the 213 area code in?
It is in the Pacific Time Zone (PST/PDT), which is UTC-8 during standard time and UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time.
Can I get a 213 number outside Los Angeles?
Yes, VoIP providers allow you to purchase and use a 213 virtual number from anywhere in the world.
Is 213 area code still available?
Yes, new 213 numbers are still available, though they are often interspersed with 323 numbers due to the overlay system.
Are calls from 213 numbers safe?
While the area code itself is legitimate, be cautious of 213 area code scams. Scammers often spoof local numbers, so always be wary of unsolicited calls asking for personal information.
What’s the difference between 213 and 323 area codes?
There is no longer a geographical difference. Since 2017, 323 has been an overlay for 213, meaning both area codes serve the exact same region of Central Los Angeles.
