Have you ever looked at your phone screen, seen a number pop up, and wondered where in the world it was coming from? Maybe you have friends or family in western New York, or perhaps you’re planning a trip to see the mighty Niagara Falls. If so, you’ve likely encountered the 716 area code.
It’s more than just three digits before a phone number; it represents a vibrant region full of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. In this guide, we are going to explore everything you need to know about this specific code. We will cover where is area code 716 located, which cities it covers, and even some tips on how to handle calls from this area.
Key Takeaways
- The 716 area code serves Western New York, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
- It is one of the original area codes established in 1947.
- The region operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Knowing the 716 area code location helps you identify local calls versus potential scams.
- The area is famous for chicken wings, snow, and the Buffalo Bills.
What Is the 716 Area Code?
The 716 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is specifically assigned to the western part of New York state. When you see these three digits, you know immediately that the caller or business is connected to this specific region of the United States.
It serves a mix of big cities, charming small towns, and rural countryside. Whether you are ordering the world-famous Buffalo wings or booking a tour for Niagara Falls, you will likely be dialing these numbers. Understanding what area code is 716 helps you stay connected with one of the most culturally rich parts of the Northeast.
A Brief History of Area Code 716
Telephone history is actually quite fascinating. The 716 area code is one of the original 86 area codes created by AT&T and the Bell System in 1947. Back then, it covered a much larger chunk of New York state.
Over time, as populations grew and more people started getting telephones (and later, cell phones and fax machines), the state needed more numbers. In 2001, the region was split. A significant portion of the area kept the 716 area code, while other parts were assigned the new 585 area code. Despite these changes, 716 remains a symbol of Western New York identity.
Where Is Area Code 716 Located?
So, exactly where is area code 716 located? Geographically, it covers the westernmost counties of New York. This includes four main counties: Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus.
If you look at a map of New York state, the 716 area code location is the section that hugs Lake Erie and the Canadian border. It is a strategic location that serves as a gateway between the United States and Canada, making it an important hub for trade and tourism.
Major Cities in the 716 Region
While the area code covers a lot of land, most people associate it with a few key cities. The biggest and most famous city is undoubtedly Buffalo. However, there are many other important communities.
Here is a list of major cities and towns using the 716 phone area code:
- Buffalo: The second-largest city in the state.
- Niagara Falls: Home to the world-famous waterfalls.
- Jamestown: Famous for being the hometown of Lucille Ball.
- Cheektowaga: A major suburb of Buffalo.
- West Seneca: A town known for its strong community vibe.
- Lockport: Known for the historic Erie Canal locks.
Counties Covered by 716
To give you a better idea of the area code 716 location, let’s look at the counties involved. The coverage is fairly concentrated but dense in population.
|
County |
Major Cities/Towns |
|---|---|
|
Erie County |
Buffalo, Amherst, Cheektowaga |
|
Niagara County |
Niagara Falls, Lockport, North Tonawanda |
|
Chautauqua County |
Jamestown, Dunkirk, Fredonia |
|
Cattaraugus County |
Olean, Salamanca |
The Time Zone for Area Code 716
When you are planning to call someone in the 716 area code New York, timing is everything. You don’t want to wake someone up in the middle of the night!
The 716 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone.
- Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST) – UTC-5
- Daylight Saving Time: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) – UTC-4
This means if you are calling from California (Pacific Time), you are three hours behind 716. If it is 12:00 PM in Los Angeles, it is already 3:00 PM in Buffalo. Always check the clock before you dial!
Why the 716 Area Code Is Famous
The region covered by the 716 phone area code is famous for much more than just phone numbers. This area has a distinct personality and culture that sets it apart from New York City and other parts of the state.
The Home of Buffalo Wings
You can’t talk about Buffalo without talking about food. This is the birthplace of the Buffalo wing. In 1964, the Anchor Bar in Buffalo invented the spicy, buttery sauce that we all know and love today.
If you visit the location of 716 area code, trying authentic wings is a must. Locals take their wings very seriously—always served with blue cheese, never ranch! It is a culinary staple that has put the 716 region on the global food map.
Niagara Falls Tourism
One of the natural wonders of the world sits right inside the area code 716. Niagara Falls attracts millions of visitors every year. The thundering water and the mist are truly a sight to behold.
Because of this, the 716 area code is frequently used by hotels, tour operators, and restaurants catering to tourists. If you are booking a trip to see the falls from the American side, you will definitely be dialing 716 numbers.
Sports Culture: The Buffalo Bills
The people in the 716 area code are incredibly passionate about sports. The Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL) define the local spirit. The fanbase, known as “Bills Mafia,” is famous for their unwavering loyalty and wild tailgate parties.
When the Bills are playing, the whole region shuts down to watch. If you get a call from a 716 area code during a game, it might just be a friend calling to celebrate a touchdown!
How to Dial the 716 Area Code
Making a call to the 716 area code is straightforward, but it depends on where you are calling from. With the rise of mobile phones, dialing procedures have become pretty standard, but there are still rules to follow.
Calling from Within the US
If you are inside the United States but outside the Western New York region, you need to use the full ten-digit number.
- Dial 1 (the country code for the US).
- Dial 716 (the area code).
- Dial the 7-digit phone number.
Example: 1-716-555-0123
International Calling
If you are calling from outside the United States, asking where is 716 area code is just step one. You also need the correct international codes.
- Dial your country’s exit code (usually 00 or +).
- Dial 1 (US country code).
- Dial 716.
- Dial the phone number.
Example: +1-716-555-0123
Scams and the 716 Area Code
Unfortunately, like many area codes, the 716 area code can be used by scammers. It is important to be vigilant when you receive calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Just because your caller ID says “Buffalo, NY” doesn’t always mean the person is actually there. Technology allows scammers to “spoof” numbers, making it look like a local call to trick you into answering.
Common Phone Scams to Watch Out For
- The “One Ring” Scam: Your phone rings once and stops. If you call back, you are charged high fees.
- IRS Impersonators: Scammers claiming to be the IRS demanding immediate payment.
- Grandparent Scams: A caller pretending to be a grandchild in trouble in the area code 716 location, needing money for bail or a hospital bill.
How to Protect Yourself
If you see a call from area code 716 and you don’t know anyone in Buffalo or Niagara Falls, let it go to voicemail. If it is important, they will leave a message. Never give out personal information or credit card numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Business and Economy in Western New York
The economy in the 716 area code location has shifted over the years. Historically, it was a heavy manufacturing hub. Steel and grain were the backbone of the region.
Today, the economy is more diverse. Healthcare, education, and finance are major players. The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is a massive hub for medical research and innovation. Banking is also big, with M&T Bank headquartered in Buffalo.
Why Businesses Choose a 716 Number
For a local business, having a 716 phone area code builds trust. It tells customers, “We are right here in your community.”
- Local Presence: Customers prefer dealing with local businesses.
- Credibility: It shows the business is established in the region.
- Marketing: It helps with local SEO and advertising efforts.
If you are starting a business and wondering where is area code 716 located in terms of market potential, it offers a loyal customer base and a lower cost of doing business compared to NYC.
Education in the 716 Region
The 716 area code is home to several prestigious universities and colleges. This brings a youthful energy and a lot of students to the area.
- University at Buffalo (UB): The largest public university in New York State.
- Buffalo State College: Located right in the city’s cultural corridor.
- Niagara University: A private university with a beautiful campus near the falls.
- St. Bonaventure University: Located in the southern part of the region.
Parents and students often search what area code is 716 when they start receiving admissions calls or need to contact housing departments.
Living in the 716 Area
Living in the 716 area code New York offers a unique lifestyle. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, especially when compared to other major cities. You can buy a beautiful historic home for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere.
However, you have to be ready for the weather. The region is famous for “lake effect snow.” Winters can be intense, with several feet of snow falling in short periods. But locals take it in stride—they know how to drive in it, and they know how to have fun with winter sports.
Neighborhood Vibes
- Elmwood Village: Trendy, walkable, full of boutiques and cafes.
- North Buffalo: Family-friendly with great Italian food on Hertel Avenue.
- Allentown: Bohemian, artistic, and known for its nightlife.
Future of the 716 Area Code
Will we run out of 716 numbers? It’s possible. As more devices get connected, the demand for phone numbers increases.
When an area code runs out of combinations, an “overlay” is usually introduced. This means a new area code is added to the same geographic region. For now, 716 area code is still the primary identifier for Western New York, but telecommunications experts always monitor usage closely.
Comparison: 716 vs. Other NY Area Codes
New York has many area codes. It can be confusing to keep them straight. Here is how area code 716 compares to its neighbors.
|
Area Code |
Region |
Major Cities |
|---|---|---|
|
716 |
Western NY |
Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown |
|
585 |
Finger Lakes |
Rochester, Batavia |
|
315 |
Central NY |
Syracuse, Utica |
|
212 |
Manhattan |
New York City |
|
518 |
Capital Region |
Albany, Saratoga Springs |
Knowing the difference helps you understand where is 716 area code in relation to the rest of the state.
Tips for Travelers Visiting the 716 Area
If you are traveling to the location of 716 area code, here are some practical tips to make your trip smoother.
- Dress in Layers: The weather can change quickly, especially near the lakes.
- Rent a Car: While Buffalo has public transit, exploring the wider region like Niagara Falls or the Southern Tier requires a car.
- Check Roaming: If you are visiting from Canada, your phone might switch towers near the border. Check your plan to avoid fees.
- Save Local Numbers: Keep the numbers for your hotel and local emergency services handy.
Interesting Facts About Area Code 716
Here are some fun trivia bits about the 716 phone area code to impress your friends:
- Original Code: It is one of the oldest area codes in North America.
- Electric History: Niagara Falls was the site of the first major hydroelectric power plant, powering the 716 region early on.
- Presidential Connection: Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland both lived in the 716 area.
- Invention Hub: Air conditioning and the pacemaker were invented in Buffalo.
Resources for 716 Residents
If you live in the 716 area code, there are many resources available to you. From community centers to local government helplines, staying connected is easy.
Local news stations and websites like Silicon Valley Time often cover technology trends that impact how we use our phones and connect with the world. Staying informed helps you avoid scams and make the most of your technology.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people ask about the 716 area code.
Q: What states have the 716 area code?
A: Only one state uses this code: New York. Specifically, the western part of the state.
Q: Is 716 a toll-free number?
A: No, 716 area code is a geographic area code. Standard long-distance charges may apply depending on your phone plan.
Q: Where is area code 716 located specifically?
A: It is located in Western New York, covering cities like Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, and the surrounding counties of Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus.
Q: Can I keep my 716 number if I move?
A: Yes, most cell phone carriers allow you to port (keep) your number even if you move to a different state.
Q: What time zone is 716?
A: It is in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT).
Q: Is 716 a cell phone or landline?
A: It can be both. Originally it was just for landlines, but now many cell phones use the 716 area code as well.
Conclusion
The 716 area code is much more than a random set of numbers. It represents the heart and soul of Western New York. From the roar of Niagara Falls to the cheers at Highmark Stadium for the Bills, this area code connects millions of people to a region rich in history and community spirit.
Whether you were wondering where is area code 716, trying to identify a caller, or planning a visit to eat some authentic wings, we hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, if you see those three digits, you are connecting with one of the friendliest and most resilient communities in the United States. For more detailed geographical data, you can always check the North American Numbering Plan page on Wikipedia regarding this region.
