Where is Area Code 252?
Area Code 252 primarily serves the eastern region of North Carolina in the United States. It encompasses a wide span of coastal and inland communities, ensuring local residents and businesses remain connected within this particular telecommunications boundary. It covers multiple counties that include:
- Beaufort County
- Carteret County
- Craven County
- Dare County
- Edgecombe County
- Hertford County
- Martin County
- Nash County
- Pitt County
Major cities and towns in the 252 region include Greenville, Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City, and New Bern. These areas feature important state agencies and local government offices that handle public records, business licensing, and other administrative services. For instance, those needing in-person assistance regarding municipal matters in Greenville can visit City Hall at 200 W. 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858. Local officials provide information about building permits, tax support, and community programs.
Residents or visitors in Dare County can find help at the Administrative Office located at 954 Marshall C Collins Dr, Manteo, NC 27954. Individuals may also view NC government services for access to state resources online, including business registration databases and public benefit information.
What time zone is 252 area code in the USA?
The 252 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which observes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in the warmer months and Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the cooler part of the year. This means clocks move one hour forward in spring as part of daylight saving time and are moved back again in fall. The shift generally occurs in March and November:
- From mid-March to early November, the time is Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4).
- From early November to mid-March, the time is Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5).
For further details regarding federal time zone regulations and daylight saving policies, consult the U.S. Department of Transportation time management guidelines.
History of the 252 Area Code
Established in 1998, Area Code 252 was introduced as a result of the split from the 919 area code, which previously covered a much larger section of eastern North Carolina. This division aimed to accommodate increasing demand for telephone lines in the region, spurred by growing populations and commercial developments.
Prior to 1998, the 919 area code reached from Raleigh to the coastal communities, creating the need for a more localized numbering plan. Since its inception, 252 has not undergone additional splits or overlays, though state officials continually monitor the availability of new phone numbers to address potential future shortages. For the most up-to-date regulations and considerations on area code administration, review the FCC area code guidelines.
How Many People Use the 252 Area Code?
The 252 area code covers numerous counties and municipalities, reaching approximately 1.2 million residents. Population numbers can fluctuate with seasonal tourism along the coast, especially in counties like Dare and Carteret. The ongoing developments in the region—ranging from higher education institutions around Greenville to commercial expansions in Rocky Mount—continue to drive telecommunications needs.
Below is a quick outline of population coverage considerations in the 252 area code:
- Coastal tourism leads to significant surges in phone usage throughout the summer months.
- University campuses in Pitt County contribute to the demand for residential and mobile lines.
- Local businesses in smaller towns rely on landline and cell service to maintain connections with patrons and suppliers.
For a detailed analysis of demographic and population data, refer to the United States Census Bureau site on local statistics.
Is the 252 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area Code 252 is classified as a geographic code rather than a toll-free code. Calls within the same local calling area typically incur standard local rates, whereas long-distance or out-of-area calls may involve additional charges consistent with a user’s phone plan. Some points to note:
- Toll-free numbers in the United States use distinct area codes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833.
- Calls to and from 252 numbers may be subject to carrier fees if they are outside a home calling region.
- Organizations operating within 252 often offer toll-free lines to customers under the aforementioned 800-series area codes for convenience.
Businesses or consumers seeking to verify calling areas should contact their telephone provider directly or visit the North Carolina Utilities Commission page to learn about telecommunications guidelines within the state.
Those requiring in-person guidance may also consult with officials, such as the Nash County Government Center located at 120 West Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856, for details on local utility regulations and consumer protection policies.