Area Code 516 — New York
Covers Hempstead, Freeport, Valley Stream, Garden City, and Levittown and surrounding areas in New York (NY).
Time zone: Eastern (ET) | Established: 1951
Where Is Area Code 516?
Area code 516 covers Nassau County on Long Island just east of New York City. Established in 1951, it has served the region for decades as a core part of New York’s telephone infrastructure. Approximately 1.4 million people use this area code within the Eastern (ET) time zone.
Hempstead is the largest city in the 516 area code and serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. Other notable communities include Freeport, Valley Stream, and Garden City, each contributing to the area’s mix of residential, commercial, and cultural activity. The region supports a diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, and various service industries.
New York is served by 19 area codes in total, reflecting the state’s population growth and demand for telephone numbers over the decades. Area code 516 was carved out in 1951 to address increasing number demand in the region, allowing each area to maintain a sufficient supply of available numbers.
Major Cities and Communities in the 516 Area Code
The following cities and communities are served by area code 516:
- Hempstead
- Freeport
- Valley Stream
- Garden City
- Levittown
Area Code 516 Details
| State | New York (NY) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (ET) (UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST)) |
| Year Established | 1951 |
| Overlay Code | No |
| Approximate Population Served | 1,400,000 |
| Region | Covers Nassau County on Long Island just east of New York City |
Interesting Facts About Area Code 516
- Area code 516 has been in service since 1951, making it one of the longer-established area codes in New York.
- Area code 516 serves approximately 1.4 million residents in New York, centered around the Hempstead area.
- New York uses 19 area codes in total, reflecting its large population and the ongoing demand for telephone numbers.
Related Area Codes
Other New York area codes: 212, 315, 332, 347, 518, 585, 607, 631, 646, 680, 716, 718, 838, 845, 914, 917, 929, 934
Connecticut: 203, 860
Massachusetts: 413
New Jersey: 201, 973
Pennsylvania: 570, 717
Vermont: 802
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities use area code 516?
Area code 516 serves Hempstead, Freeport, Valley Stream, Garden City, and Levittown and surrounding communities in New York.
What time zone is area code 516?
Area code 516 is in the Eastern (ET) time zone (UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST)).
Is 516 a toll-free number?
No, area code 516 is not a toll-free number. It is a geographic area code assigned to New York. Toll-free area codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
When was area code 516 established?
Area code 516 was established in 1951.
Other New York Area Codes
212 • 315 • 332 • 347 • 518 • 585 • 607 • 631 • 646 • 680 • 716 • 718 • 838 • 845 • 914 • 917 • 929 • 934
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