What area code is 617?
Here's everything about it.
Instant lookup for the 617 area code — location, time zone, cities served, and who's been calling from it. No sign-up, no app.
617 at a glance
Summary
Cities & regions served by 617
BostonShowing 12 of 16 recorded communities — major cities first.
Where 617 sits on the map
Overlay: 857Coverage area
About the 617 region
617 covers Boston in Massachusetts, including Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Belmont. The code has been in service since 1947 and is one of the original North American area codes.
As the Boston region grew, 617 ran low on available numbers, so 857 was added as an overlay code over the same geographic area. Both codes are local to each other and 10-digit dialing applies throughout.
1988: split to create 508; 1997: split to create 781; 2001: overlaid by 857.
Who called me from 617?
Community reports- Caller ID is trivially spoofed: an incoming call that displays 617 does not prove the caller is really in the 617 region or even in the United States.
- Avoid calling back unknown one-ring numbers — some premium-rate scams rely on curiosity callbacks.
- Never share verification codes, payment details, or remote access during an unsolicited call, even if the caller claims to be your bank or a government agency.
- When a 617 call pressures you to act immediately, hang up and contact the organization directly through its official number.
Be the first to add a community report for a 617 number below.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWhat area code is 617?+–
617 is a telephone area code serving Boston in Massachusetts, United States, in service since 1947.
Where is area code 617 located?+–
It covers Essex County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County and other counties, including Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Belmont in Massachusetts.
What cities are in area code 617?+–
Major communities on record include Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Belmont, among others. The code's territory spans the Boston region of Massachusetts.
What time zone is 617?+–
617 observes Eastern (ET), which is UTC−5 / −4 DST and follows daylight saving time.
When did area code 617 start?+–
617 entered service in 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes. Its history: 1988: split to create 508; 1997: split to create 781; 2001: overlaid by 857.
Why do calls to 617 require 10-digit dialing?+–
617 shares its territory with overlay code 857. Because both codes serve the same geographic area, the phone network needs all 10 digits to route a call, and calls between the codes are still local.
Is 617 a scam area code?+–
Scam and robocall traffic can use any North American code, 617 included — caller ID is easy to spoof, so the code alone does not tell you who is really calling. Check the community reports on this page before calling back an unknown 617 number, and report anything suspicious.
Can I get a 617 phone number?+–
Yes — most mobile carriers and VoIP providers let you request a 617 number regardless of where you physically live.