What is 503 Area Code
Area codes 503 and 971 are telephone area codes within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serve the northern region of the state of Oregon. This includes prominent cities such as Portland, Salem, and Astoria within the numbering plan area (NPA). Area code 503 was among the original North American area codes established in 1947, initially encompassing the entire state until 1995 when its coverage was restricted to the northwest portion.
Oregon stands out as one of the most diverse states geographically in the United States, boasting a landscape that features volcanoes, abundant water sources, dense evergreen and mixed forests, high deserts, and semi-arid shrublands. Mount Hood, a stratovolcano, stands as the tallest peak in the state at 11,249 feet (3,429 m). Crater Lake National Park, the sole national park in Oregon, encompasses the caldera surrounding Crater Lake, which holds the title of being the deepest lake in the country. Additionally, Oregon is home to the largest organism on Earth, Armillaria ostoyae, a fungus that spans beneath the Malheur National Forest, covering an impressive 2,200 acres (8.9 km2).
Furthermore, Oregon's coastline stretches for over 360 miles along the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The state is also renowned for its vibrant wine industry, particularly in regions like the Willamette Valley, where vineyards produce world-class Pinot Noir and other varietals. Oregon's commitment to environmental conservation is evident through its numerous protected areas, including national forests, wildlife refuges, and scenic byways that showcase the state's natural beauty.
Where is 503 Area Code
The majority of cities and communities covered by area code 503 in the northwestern region of Oregon include Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Dallas, Fairview, Forest Grove, Gladstone, Gresham, Hillsboro, Keizer, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, Milwaukie, Monmouth, Newberg, Oregon City, Portland, Salem, St. Helens, Stayton, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, and Wilson.
Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is often referred to as "The City of Roses" within area code 503. Situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette rivers, Portland offers stunning views and a plethora of outdoor activities. This vibrant city boasts a rich cultural scene, featuring natural trails, an eco-friendly environment, and numerous local coffee shops. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy unique experiences such as expertly crafted local beers, lush green landscapes, trendy hipster hangouts, and a diverse culinary scene.
Additionally, the Portland metropolitan area, known as the Silicon Forest, is home to more than 1200 technology companies. Major sportswear brands like Adidas, Nike, and Columbia Sportswear have established their headquarters in the city. Wholesale trade, healthcare, and manufacturing are key sectors contributing to Portland's robust economy.
Furthermore, Portland is renowned for its thriving arts and music scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues showcasing local talent. The city also prides itself on its sustainability efforts, with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. Additionally, Portland's diverse population contributes to a vibrant and inclusive community, making it a welcoming destination for people from all walks of life.
The Time Zone of 503 Area Code
The 503 area code is situated within the Pacific Time Zone, which is alternatively referred to as America/Los_Angeles. This region encompasses cities such as Portland and Salem in the state of Oregon. The Pacific Time Zone observes daylight saving time, shifting its clocks forward by one hour during the summer months to maximize daylight hours.
The History of 503 Area Code
In 1947, when AT&T established its global telephone numbering network, the state of Oregon was assigned the area code 503. Despite Oregon's growth in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in cities like Portland and Eugene in the Willamette Valley, the state retained this single area code for nearly five decades. This made Oregon one of the largest states to have only one area code.
However, by the early 1990s, the rise of mobile phones and pagers, especially in the Portland area, posed a threat to the availability of phone numbers within the 503 area code. To address this issue, a new area code, 971, was introduced in 2000 to overlay the existing 503 area code. Over time, the overlay was expanded to encompass the entire original 503 area code.
The addition of the 971 area code helped alleviate the strain on the numbering pool in Oregon, ensuring that residents and businesses continued to have access to a sufficient supply of phone numbers. This adjustment reflected the evolving telecommunications landscape and the increasing demand for phone services in the state.
The Demographics of 503 Area Code
Based on Intelius data, the 503 area code is home to a population of 1,983,881 individuals. Of this total, approximately 1,662,000 are identified as white, 182,000 as Hispanic, and the remaining residents primarily belong to Asian ethnicities.
Within this area code, Portland stands as the largest city with a population of around 635,659. The city boasts a robust economy, showcasing an unemployment rate of approximately 4.6 percent. Key industries in the region include health care and social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Over the next decade, job growth in these sectors is projected to exceed 41 percent.
The average household income in the Portland area code is $53,000, aligning with the national average in the United States. Notably, 23% of individuals earn $100,000 or more annually. Additionally, the area is known for its vibrant cultural scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and thriving culinary scene, making it a desirable place to live and work.
The Main Industries of 503 Area Code
The Port of Portland is a bustling hub of commerce, with its marine terminals managing an impressive 13 million tons of cargo annually. Boasting one of the nation's largest commercial dry docks, this port ranks as the third-largest export tonnage port on the west coast of the United States. Situated approximately 80 miles upriver, it holds the distinction of being the largest fresh-water port in the region.
Portland's industrial landscape has deep roots in the scrap steel business, dating back to pre-World War II times. By the 1950s, the scrap steel industry had emerged as the city's primary source of employment. Today, the sector continues to thrive, with Schnitzer Steel Industries leading the charge by exporting a record-breaking 1.15 billion tons of scrap metal to Asia in 2003. Other heavy industrial players in the area include ESCO Corporation and Oregon Steel Mills.
In addition to its industrial prowess, Portland is home to a vibrant technology sector, boasting over 1,200 tech enterprises in the metropolitan area. Technology plays a crucial role in driving the city's economy forward, contributing to its reputation as a dynamic and innovative business environment. The city's commitment to fostering technological innovation positions it as a key player in the ever-evolving global marketplace.
Exploring the 503 Area Code: Sightseeing and Delicious Dining Options
The 503 area code covers the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Here are some recommended tourist attractions and restaurants in the 503 area code:
Tourist Attractions:
1. Portland Japanese Garden: A serene and beautiful garden featuring traditional Japanese landscaping.
2. Oregon Zoo: Home to a variety of animals from around the world, with exhibits focused on conservation and education.
3. Powell's City of Books: One of the largest independent bookstores in the world, offering a vast selection of new and used books.
4. Columbia River Gorge: A stunning natural area with waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
5. Pittock Mansion: A historic mansion with panoramic views of Portland and the surrounding area.
Restaurants:
1. Le Pigeon: A popular French-inspired restaurant known for its creative and delicious dishes.
2. Pok Pok: A renowned Thai restaurant serving authentic and flavorful dishes.
3. Tasty n Alder: A trendy spot offering a diverse menu of globally-inspired small plates and entrees.
4. Screen Door: A Southern-style restaurant known for its hearty brunch options and fried chicken.
5. Andina: A Peruvian restaurant offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes, along with a great selection of cocktails and wines.
These are just a few of the many attractions and restaurants worth visiting in the 503 area code. Enjoy exploring all that Portland and the surrounding area have to offer!
503 area code keeps calling me? Should I answer it?
Is it safe to answer calls from the 503 area code? Generally, most calls from this area code are from businesses seeking to engage with customers. However, there is a possibility of receiving fraudulent calls from 503 numbers.
It can be challenging to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent 503 calls. The best approach is to answer the call and determine the caller's identity. If it's someone you know, you can proceed with the conversation. If not, it's advisable to hang up immediately.
How to block 503 area code on iPhone?
You can block 503 area codes numbers on your iPhone by adding them to the block list in 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Open Recent on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap on the 503 phone number then press "i" icon.
Step 3: Scroll down and press Block this Caller.
How to block 503 area code on Android?
You can block 503 area code numbers on Android by adding in the block list 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Open the Call history on your android smartphone.
Step 2: Tap on the 503 phone number then press "i" icon.
Step 3: Tap the “kebab” icon (three vertical dots) and press Block contact.
(Note: the steps may vary in different android phone brands.)
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