The 323 area code was created in 1998 as a split from the 213 area code, which was becoming overwhelmed by the growing population and demand for phone numbers in the Los Angeles area. Initially, the 213 area code covered all of downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, but as the city grew in the 20th century, the number of available phone numbers in the 213 area code dwindled. To meet the increasing demand, the 323 area code was introduced to cover much of the central and eastside regions of Los Angeles.
Unlike other splits, the introduction of the 323 area code allowed residents and businesses to retain their existing 213 numbers while new customers were assigned numbers under the 323 area code. This system helped preserve the historical significance of the 213 code, while allowing new growth under 323.
The 323 area code covers a broad range of neighborhoods and cities within Los Angeles County, each with its unique flavor and personality. Here’s a look at some of the most notable areas covered by the 323 area code:
Regions Covered by 323 Area Code
- Hollywood: Known worldwide as the entertainment capital, Hollywood is synonymous with the film industry. From Hollywood Boulevard to the Walk of Fame, this area is a major tourist destination and home to production studios, celebrity homes, and famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign.
- Silver Lake: This trendy, artistic neighborhood has become a hub for creatives, young professionals, and families alike. Silver Lake is known for its hipster culture, indie boutiques, and vibrant dining scene, as well as its beautiful hills and scenic reservoir.
- Echo Park: Famous for its namesake lake and its rich history, Echo Park is one of L.A.’s most diverse and rapidly changing neighborhoods. The area boasts a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, art galleries, and music venues, drawing a wide range of residents and visitors.
- Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA): As the city’s business and financial center, Downtown Los Angeles is home to skyscrapers, world-class dining, art museums, and entertainment venues. It’s an area experiencing significant revitalization, with new residential developments and cultural attractions sprouting up regularly.
- East Los Angeles: Known for its strong Latino community, East L.A. is rich in cultural history, offering a unique blend of traditional Mexican cuisine, art, and festivals. This vibrant community plays a central role in shaping Los Angeles’ cultural landscape.
- Los Feliz: This neighborhood is home to historic landmarks like Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory, offering residents and visitors access to hiking trails, scenic views, and a variety of cultural activities. Los Feliz is also known for its charming restaurants, vintage shops, and architectural diversity.
- West Hollywood: Technically outside the 323 area code but geographically adjacent, WeHo is a neighboring hub for nightlife, LGBTQ+ culture, and luxury living. Many businesses here hold 323 numbers due to their proximity to the area.
These regions represent only a fraction of the diverse neighborhoods that call the 323 area code home, but they all contribute to the richness and vitality of Los Angeles.
The Cultural Impact of the 323 Area Code
The 323 area code is inextricably linked to the cultural identity of Los Angeles. From Hollywood’s influence on global entertainment to the underground music scenes of Echo Park, the 323 area code is at the forefront of culture, creativity, and innovation.
Entertainment and the Arts
Few area codes can claim to be the heart of the entertainment industry like the 323 area code. With Hollywood at its core, this area is synonymous with movies, television, and music production. From major production companies to independent studios, the 323 area code is where stories are made, and careers are launched.
In addition to Hollywood, areas like Silver Lake and Echo Park have become breeding grounds for musicians, artists, and filmmakers. These neighborhoods are home to some of the most influential and cutting-edge cultural institutions in Los Angeles, with art galleries, music venues, and street murals on nearly every corner.
Culinary Scene
The 323 area code is home to some of the best dining experiences in Los Angeles, offering a mix of world-class restaurants and authentic local eateries. From high-end dining in Downtown L.A. to family-run taco shops in East L.A., the culinary landscape of the 323 area code reflects the cultural diversity of its residents.
You’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food vendors, serving up cuisine from around the world—Korean BBQ, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and more—all within this vibrant area.
The Music Scene
From the legendary venues of Sunset Boulevard to underground shows in Echo Park, the 323 area code has a long-standing reputation as a hotbed for music. The region has birthed countless artists and bands across genres like rock, punk, indie, and hip-hop.
Live music venues like The Echo, The Troubadour, and The Greek Theatre continue to draw crowds eager to experience the latest sounds. The music culture here has contributed immensely to L.A.’s global reputation as a city that nurtures creative talent.
Economic and Business Significance
The 323 area code is home to a wide range of businesses that contribute to both the local economy and the wider economic landscape of Los Angeles. Key industries in the area include entertainment, tourism, technology, and retail, with major employers ranging from media conglomerates to independent businesses.
Entertainment and Media
The entertainment industry is, without a doubt, the dominant economic force in the 323 area code. Major production companies, talent agencies, and media organizations call Hollywood and its surrounding areas home. Studios like Paramount Pictures are located within the 323 area code, and the area continues to attract new media and digital content companies.
Small Business and Startups
The neighborhoods within the 323 area code have become a magnet for entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly in areas like Silver Lake and Echo Park. Independent coffee shops, boutiques, and creative agencies thrive in these neighborhoods, contributing to the area’s economic diversity.
Real Estate Market
Real estate in the 323 area code is highly coveted, with a wide range of properties that appeal to different lifestyles. From the luxury homes of Los Feliz to the vintage apartments of Koreatown, the area offers a diverse housing market. Gentrification in certain neighborhoods, such as Echo Park and Silver Lake, has increased property values and brought in new developments, transforming the local real estate landscape.
Why Area Codes Like 323 Matter
Area codes play a crucial role in the social fabric of a community, particularly in a place like Los Angeles, where identity is often tied to geography. The 323 area code has come to represent the cultural richness and diversity of L.A.’s east side, where each neighborhood tells its own story. Residents and businesses often take pride in their area code, and a 323 number is seen as a mark of local authenticity.
In addition to its symbolic significance, area codes like 323 serve practical purposes in terms of telecommunications. In densely populated areas like Los Angeles, the introduction of new area codes is essential for accommodating the growing demand for phone numbers. While this might seem like a small detail, it’s an important part of keeping the city connected.
Overlay with the 213 Area Code
In recent years, the 213 and 323 area codes have been overlaid, meaning they now serve the same geographic regions. This was done to meet the ever-growing demand for phone numbers in Los Angeles without requiring residents and businesses to change their existing numbers. New phone numbers in the area are often assigned the 213 area code, while existing numbers with the 323 code remain active.
This overlay system allows both area codes to coexist, ensuring that there are enough numbers available for residents and businesses without disrupting existing connections.
Common Questions About the 323 Area Code
Can I get a 323 area code number if I move out of Los Angeles?
Yes, thanks to mobile number portability, you can keep your 323 area code even if you move to another part of California or outside the state.
Why do some businesses still use the 323 area code even after the 213 overlay?
Many businesses in the 323 area code choose to keep their original phone numbers for branding purposes. In areas like Hollywood and Silver Lake, having a 323 area code is often seen as more authentic and connected to the local culture.
Is the 323 area code likely to change in the future?
While no major changes are expected in the near future, it’s possible that as Los Angeles continues to grow, additional area codes may be introduced to accommodate the demand for new phone numbers.
Conclusion
The 323 area code is a defining feature of Los Angeles, representing the city’s cultural vibrancy, economic dynamism, and rich history. Covering a wide range of neighborhoods, from Hollywood to Echo Park, the 323 area code is more than just a number—it’s a symbol of the creative energy and diversity that make Los Angeles unique. Whether you’re dialing into the heart of the entertainment industry or connecting with the cultural hubs of the east side, the 323 area code is where it all happens.
