Area code 351 covers Lowell and surrounding areas in Massachusetts. It was activated in 2001 as an overlay of area code 978. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 978.
| State | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Lowell |
| Cities also served | Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Peabody, Salem, Methuen, Leominster, Fitchburg |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | May 2, 2001 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 978 |
| Overlay codes | 978 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 351
Area code 351 serves North central and northeastern Massachusetts, including the Merrimack Valley and North Shore regions, including the following cities and communities:
- Lowell
- Lawrence
- Haverhill
- Peabody
- Salem
- Methuen
- Leominster
- Fitchburg
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 978, 339, 781, 617, 857, 508, 774, 413.
How to Get a 351 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 351 area code, each suited to a different need:
- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 351 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Contact us about a 351 number.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 351 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 351 number. If you already have a 351 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of Massachusetts sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 351 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
212areacode.com specializes in Manhattan 212 numbers and select premium area codes. We don’t currently maintain a 351 inventory, but we may be able to source a 351 number through our carrier relationships. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll let you know what’s available.
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Browse 351 Numbers →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 351 area code still in use?
Yes. 351 is actively assigned to new phone lines in North central and northeastern Massachusetts, including the Merrimack Valley and North Shore regions.
What is the difference between 351 and 978?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Massachusetts. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
What is the parent area code of 351?
Area code 351 is an overlay of 978. Both codes serve the same region of Massachusetts.
Can I get a 351 number if I don't live in Massachusetts?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 351 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 351 a scam area code?
No. 351 is a legitimate, active area code for North central and northeastern Massachusetts, including the Merrimack Valley and North Shore regions. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 351 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Massachusetts businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities does the 351 area code cover?
Area code 351 covers north central and northeastern Massachusetts, including Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Peabody, Salem, Methuen, Leominster, and Fitchburg, among many other communities.
Is 351 an overlay of another area code?
Yes. Area code 351 is an overlay of area code 978, meaning both codes serve the exact same geographic territory. Ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls in this region.
When did area code 351 go into service?
Area code 351 was put into service on May 2, 2001, by NANPA to relieve number exhaustion pressure on the existing 978 area code.
What area code did 978 come from?
Area code 978 was created on September 1, 1997, in a split from area code 508. Area code 351 was later added as an overlay to 978 in 2001.
