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The Detroit, Michigan area is primarily served by two area codes: area code 313 for the city of Detroit and its immediate inner-ring suburbs, and area code 734 covering the western and southern suburbs, including cities like Ann Arbor and Dearborn. A significant recent change is the implementation of an area code overlay with area code 679, which will serve the same geographic region as 313 starting in the second quarter of 2025. This means all local calls within the Detroit area will require 10-digit dialing. Understanding these codes is essential for anyone living, working, or conducting business in the Detroit metropolitan area.
An area code is the first three digits of a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) telephone number that designates a specific geographic region. The original area code for the entire Detroit metropolitan region was 313, established in 1947. As population growth and the proliferation of phone numbers (for landlines, cell phones, and fax machines) exhausted the available number combinations, area code 734 was created in 1997 through a geographic split. This division was necessary to ensure a continued supply of new telephone numbers for the expanding region.
Area code 313 is historically tied to the city of Detroit. Its coverage includes the city's downtown core, neighborhoods like Midtown, Corktown, and Indian Village, as well as inner-ring suburbs such as Hamtramck, Highland Park, and the city of River Rouge. This area code is central to the identity of the city. With the upcoming 679 overlay, new phone numbers assigned in the 313 region after 2025 could be given either a 313 or a 679 area code. The key takeaway is that the geographic boundary for these codes will remain the same; they will simply share the territory.
Area code 734 serves a wide swath of communities to the west and south of Detroit. This includes major cities like Ann Arbor (home to the University of Michigan), Ypsilanti, Dearborn, Livonia, Canton, and Taylor. This area code is crucial for the numerous businesses, universities, and residential communities that form an integral part of the greater Detroit economy and culture. For real estate purposes, a 734 number often signifies a location in these key suburban markets.
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved the 679 overlay to address the impending exhaustion of 313 phone numbers. An overlay is a method of adding a new area code to the same geographic region as an existing code, instead of splitting the region geographically. The most important practical change for residents and businesses is the move to 10-digit dialing (area code + the seven-digit number) for all local calls. While 10-digit dialing has been common for cell phones, it will now be mandatory for landline calls within the 313/679 area. This change aims to preserve the existing 313 numbers while accommodating future growth.
| Area Code | Primary Coverage | Key Cities/Towns |
|---|---|---|
| 313 | City of Detroit & immediate inner-ring suburbs | Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, River Rouge |
| 734 | Western & Southern suburbs | Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Livonia, Ypsilanti, Canton |
| 679 (Overlay) | Same geographic area as 313 | Will be assigned to new numbers in the 313 region starting 2025 |
In the context of US real estate, area codes can sometimes carry perceived connotations about location, which may influence buyer or tenant perceptions. A phone number with a 313 area code is distinctly associated with the city of Detroit, which can be important for businesses targeting an urban clientele. Conversely, a 734 number might be preferred by businesses operating primarily in the western suburbs. With the new overlay, it's critical to update business materials, websites, and marketing collateral to include the area code for all local numbers, ensuring customers can reach you without confusion.
To ensure seamless communication in the Detroit area, always use 10-digit dialing for local calls. Verify the area code on all business listings and personal contacts. The introduction of the 679 overlay is a proactive measure to support the region's continued growth and communication needs.
