770 Area Code: Atlanta, GA | Location & Time Zone

The 770 area code serves the greater Atlanta metropolitan area in Georgia, covering suburban communities surrounding the city. Established in 1995, the 770 area code was created to meet the growing telecommunications demand in one of the fastest-growing regions in the southeastern United States. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the 770 area code, including its geographic coverage, time zone information, and dialing instructions.

What is the 770 Area Code?

The 770 area code is a telephone area code serving the suburban areas surrounding Atlanta, Georgia. It was established on August 1, 1995, as a split from the original 404 area code, which had served the entire Atlanta metropolitan area since 1947. The creation of 770 was necessary due to the rapid population growth and increased demand for telephone numbers in the Atlanta suburbs during the 1990s economic boom.

Today, the 770 area code covers a significant portion of metro Atlanta’s suburban communities, serving millions of residents and businesses across multiple counties. It works alongside overlay area codes 678 and 470, which were introduced later to provide additional numbering resources for the same geographic region.

770 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 770 area code encompasses numerous suburban communities in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Major cities and communities served by the 770 area code include Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Smyrna, Dunwoody, Peachtree City, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Duluth, Norcross, Decatur, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Conyers, Covington, Newnan, Carrollton, McDonough, and Stockbridge.

The area code covers portions of several Georgia counties, including Cobb County, Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, Fulton County (excluding central Atlanta), Cherokee County, Forsyth County, Henry County, Clayton County, Douglas County, Rockdale County, Newton County, Coweta County, Fayette County, and Carroll County. This extensive coverage area represents the sprawling nature of metro Atlanta’s suburban development.

Geographic Coverage Map

The 770 area code forms a ring around the central Atlanta area, which retains the original 404 area code. The coverage extends north to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, east toward Athens, south toward Macon, and west toward the Alabama border. This geographic distribution reflects the pattern of suburban expansion that has characterized Atlanta’s growth over the past several decades.

Time Zone Information

The entire 770 area code region observes Eastern Time, placing it in the same time zone as major cities like New York, Miami, and Washington D.C. Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November each year. For those scheduling calls or meetings with contacts in the 770 area code, remember to account for the three-hour difference from Pacific Time and the two-hour difference from Mountain Time.

770 Area Code Details

History of 770 Area Code

When Was 770 Created?

The 770 area code was created on August 1, 1995, representing one of the first major area code splits in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Before this date, the entire metro Atlanta region used the 404 area code, which had been in service since the implementation of the North American Numbering Plan in 1947. By the mid-1990s, Atlanta’s explosive population growth and the proliferation of fax machines, pagers, and mobile phones created an urgent need for additional telephone numbers.

The split was designed to preserve the prestigious 404 area code for the city of Atlanta proper and its immediate surroundings, while assigning 770 to the suburban areas. This geographic split followed the common practice of the time, before overlay codes became the preferred solution for numbering exhaustion.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

The 770 area code region has undergone several changes since its creation. In March 1998, just three years after 770 was established, the 678 area code was introduced as the first overlay for both the 404 and 770 regions. This meant new numbers could be assigned with the 678 area code in the same geographic areas served by 404 and 770.

In September 2010, the 470 area code was added as another overlay to the 404, 770, and 678 region, providing yet another layer of numbering resources. These overlays have eliminated the need for further geographic splits and ensure adequate telephone numbers for the Atlanta metropolitan area’s continued growth. The implementation of overlay codes required ten-digit dialing for all local calls within the metro Atlanta area, even when calling within the same area code.

How to Call 770 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

When making local calls within the 770 area code region, you must dial all ten digits: the area code plus the seven-digit phone number. The format is 770-XXX-XXXX. This ten-digit dialing requirement was implemented when overlay area codes were introduced to the region. You do not need to dial “1” before the area code for local calls, though many phone systems will complete the call either way.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

When calling a 770 number from outside the Atlanta metro area but within the United States, you must dial 1 followed by the area code and seven-digit number. The complete format is 1-770-XXX-XXXX. This applies whether you’re calling from elsewhere in Georgia or from another state. Long-distance charges may apply depending on your phone plan, though many modern cellular and internet-based phone plans include nationwide calling.

International Dialing

To call a 770 area code number from outside the United States, dial your country’s international access code, followed by 1 (the country code for the United States), then the area code and phone number. The format is +1-770-XXX-XXXX. For example, from the United Kingdom, you would dial 00-1-770-XXX-XXXX, while from Australia you would dial 0011-1-770-XXX-XXXX. International calling rates will apply based on your service provider.

Nearby Area Codes

Population & Demographics

The 770 area code region serves an estimated population of over 4 million people, making it one of the most populous area code regions in the southeastern United States. This area has experienced tremendous growth since the 1990s, driven by Atlanta’s position as a major economic hub and transportation center. The region is home to diverse communities ranging from affluent suburban enclaves to rapidly developing mixed-use areas.

The 770 area code covers some of Georgia’s wealthiest counties, including portions of Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties, which consistently rank among the state’s most prosperous areas. Major employers in the region include Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola, and numerous technology companies. The area is also home to several Fortune 500 companies and serves as a hub for film production, logistics, and financial services.

The demographic composition reflects Atlanta’s status as a diverse, international metropolitan area, with significant populations representing various ethnic, cultural, and national backgrounds. The region’s excellent schools, relatively affordable housing compared to other major metros, and strong job market continue to attract new residents from across the United States and around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 770 area code?

The 770 area code is a telephone area code serving the suburban areas surrounding Atlanta, Georgia. It was created in 1995 to serve the growing population in metro Atlanta’s suburbs and now works alongside overlay codes 678 and 470 in the same geographic region.

What cities are in the 770 area code?

Major cities in the 770 area code include Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Smyrna, Dunwoody, Peachtree City, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Duluth, and many other suburban Atlanta communities across multiple counties.

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in 770?

Yes, ten-digit dialing is required for all calls within the 770 area code region. You must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number (770-XXX-XXXX) even for local calls, though you typically do not need to dial “1” before the area code for local calls.

What time zone is the 770 area code in?

The 770 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone, observing Eastern Standard Time (EST) during winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during summer months. The region observes Daylight Saving Time, shifting clocks forward in March and back in November.

Is 770 the same as 404?

No, 770 and 404 are separate area codes serving different parts of metro Atlanta. The 404 area code serves central Atlanta and its immediate surroundings, while 770 serves the suburban areas. However, they share the same geographic overlay codes (678 and 470), and ten-digit dialing is required throughout the region.

When was the 770 area code created?

The 770 area code was established on August 1, 1995, as a split from the original 404 area code. It was created to meet the increasing demand for telephone numbers in Atlanta’s rapidly growing suburban areas.

Can I keep my 770 number if I move?

In many cases, yes. Federal regulations allow number portability, meaning you can often keep your 770 phone number even if you move to a different area, especially with mobile phones. However, this may affect how your calls are routed and whether long-distance charges apply. Check with your service provider for specific details.

Conclusion

The 770 area code represents a vital part of the Atlanta metropolitan telecommunications infrastructure, serving millions of residents and businesses across suburban Georgia. Since its establishment in 1995, it has adapted to meet the region’s growth through the addition of overlay codes and the implementation of ten-digit dialing. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor, understanding how the 770 area code works helps ensure seamless communication in one of America’s most dynamic metropolitan areas. For more information about time zones and area codes around the world, visit CheckDateTime.com to access current local times, use our timer tools, or explore our comprehensive guides section.