When you dial a phone number, the area code tells the phone company what part of the country you’re trying to reach. Area codes are essential for directing calls to the right geographic location.
So, what about area code 223? Area code 223 is located in South Central Pennsylvania. You’ll find it covering communities like Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York.
This article will give you a full rundown on area code 223. We’ll look at its history, where it’s located, and what it means for both individuals and businesses in the region. Whether you’re moving to the area, starting a business, or just curious, we’ll cover everything you need to know about area code 223.
Where is area code 223?
Area code 223 serves the south-central region of Pennsylvania, including cities and communities like Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York. You’ll also find area code 223 in smaller towns and communities throughout that part of the state.
The phone numbers with area code 223 are primarily in these Pennsylvania counties:
- Dauphin
- Lancaster
- York
What time zone is area code 223 in?
Area code 223 is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is also known as:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
The time zone offset from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is:
- EST: UTC/GMT -5:00 hours
- EDT: UTC/GMT -4:00 hours
Daylight Saving Time in 2025 begins on Sunday, March 9th, at 2:00 AM and ends on Sunday, November 2nd, at 2:00 AM.
Where did area code 223 come from?
Area code 223 is what’s called an overlay. It “overlays” the existing 717 area code, which serves a large portion of south-central Pennsylvania.
The 223 area code was introduced in 2017. Why? Because the 717 area was running out of phone numbers! As the population grew and more people and businesses needed phone lines, a new solution was required.
An overlay is a clever way to add more phone numbers to a region without splitting up the existing area code. Instead of giving some towns a new area code, everyone in the 717 area got to keep their existing numbers, and new numbers were assigned the 223 area code.
The downside? Overlays require ten-digit dialing. That means you have to dial the area code even when calling someone in your own town.
Benefits of a 223 Phone Number for Businesses
For businesses, a local phone number can be an asset. Here’s how a 223 area code might help your enterprise.
Establishing a Local Presence
A 223 area code instantly says, “We’re local!” to potential customers in that region. It’s a digital handshake that builds trust and signals your commitment to serving the community. People often prefer to do business with companies that feel like they’re part of the neighborhood, not some faceless corporation from afar.
That local presence is invaluable in marketing and advertising. When people see a familiar area code on your ads, they’re more likely to pay attention. It improves brand recognition and helps you stand out from the competition. It’s all about creating that sense of connection and familiarity.
Cost Savings and Efficiency
Virtual phone systems with 223 area codes can significantly reduce costs, especially for businesses that don’t have a physical office in the area. You can ditch the expensive traditional phone systems and the infrastructure that comes with them. You don’t need to rent office space just to have a local phone number.
These virtual systems come loaded with features that boost efficiency, like call forwarding and voicemail. You can streamline communication, improve response times, and manage your calls from anywhere in the world. It’s a smart way to stay connected without breaking the bank.
Enhancing Customer Relations
A local phone number can work wonders for customer satisfaction. It provides a familiar and accessible point of contact, making customers feel more comfortable reaching out. People are simply more likely to answer calls from a local number because they recognize it and assume it’s someone they know or a business they trust.
Businesses can leverage a 223 number for customer service and support, offering personalized assistance to customers in the region. It shows that you’re invested in their needs and willing to go the extra mile to provide excellent service. It’s all about building those strong, lasting relationships that keep customers coming back.
Features and Functionality of Virtual Phone Systems with 223 Numbers
If you’re looking to get a 223 number for your business, you’re likely going to use a virtual phone system. Here’s what you can expect:
Key Features
Virtual phone systems come with a range of features that can help your business communicate more effectively, streamline operations, and offer better customer service. Here are some of the most common:
- Call forwarding: Route calls to different numbers or devices, so you never miss an important call.
- Text messaging: Send and receive texts to communicate with customers or team members.
- Voicemail: Receive voicemails and access them remotely.
- Call recording: Record calls for training, compliance, or documentation purposes.
- Custom greetings: Create professional greetings for your callers.
- Menus and extensions: Set up automated menus and extensions to route callers to the right person or department.
- Reporting: Track call volume, call duration, and other metrics to improve your phone system’s performance.
Talkroute as a Provider
Talkroute is one company that offers virtual phone systems with local numbers, toll-free numbers, and more. Their systems include features like:
- Desktop, web, and mobile apps, so you can access your phone system from anywhere.
- Live call transfer, so you can quickly connect callers to the right person.
- Call stacking, so you can handle multiple calls at once.
- User permissions, so you can control who has access to which features.
- Integration capabilities with other business tools.
Customers seem to appreciate the features and ease of use of Talkroute’s systems. Here’s what they’re saying:
“An excellent virtual phone system for nonprofits.”
“Probably the best small business phone system.”
“This service has tons of great features.”
“Easy to setup & use! Call quality is excellent.”
Practical Applications of 223 Area Code Numbers
Even though the 223 area code is new and may not immediately register with people, a business can still put it to good use. Here are some options:
Direct Phone Lines
A business can use 223 numbers as direct lines to employees or specific departments. If you’re a consumer calling a business, you might dial a 223 number to speak directly to someone in customer service, sales, or tech support, for example.
Dedicated lines can improve internal communications, too, making it easier for people within the organization to reach one another.
Customer Service Numbers
A 223 number can serve as a dedicated customer service line, offering customers a local point of contact for questions or support.
Having a responsive and reliable customer service line is essential for keeping your customers happy. Happy customers are loyal customers, and they’re more likely to recommend your business to others.
Sales and Marketing Campaigns
Businesses can use 223 numbers in their sales and marketing campaigns to track how well each campaign is performing. By using a unique 223 number for each marketing channel, you can see which ads are driving the most calls.
Using a local number in your ads and other promotional materials can boost response rates and make your brand more recognizable in the community. People are often more likely to call a local number than an 800 number, so a 223 number might get more attention.
How to get a 223 phone number
If you’ve decided a 223 area code is right for your business, here’s how to go about getting one.
Choosing a phone number
With most virtual phone services, you can select a 223 number when you sign up. You can often choose between a standard number or a vanity number, which is a phone number that spells out a word or phrase on the keypad. For example, 223-GET-HELP might be a memorable option.
When selecting a number, think about what will be easiest for your customers to remember. Repeating digits and simple sequences are good, and spelling out a word related to your business can be even better.
Transferring an existing number
If you already have a 223 number, you can usually transfer or “port” it over to your new virtual phone system. This allows you to maintain continuity for your customers and avoid the hassle of updating all your marketing materials.
Setting up the system
Once you’ve chosen your number, setting up your virtual phone system is usually pretty straightforward. It typically involves downloading apps, configuring settings, and customizing features like voicemail and call routing.
Final Thoughts
For businesses and individuals, using a 223 area code offers real advantages: a stronger local presence, potential cost savings, improved relationships with customers, and better communication across the board. But to realize these benefits, it’s essential to work with the right phone system provider.
Whether you’re already in South Central Pennsylvania or looking to expand your reach, establishing a presence in this vibrant region can be a smart move. And securing a 223 area code could be the first step.