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US area code · Massachusetts

Area code 781

Where the 781 area code is, its overlay and how to dial a +1 781 number from anywhere.

CoversArlington, MassachusettsTime zoneEastern (ET)TypeOverlay
Quick answer

The 781 area code is in Arlington, Massachusetts, United States (Eastern (ET)). To call from abroad: +1 781 555-0123. It is an overlay, so all 10 digits are dialled.

StateMassachusetts
Main areaArlington
Time zoneEastern (ET)
TypeOverlay
10-digit dialingRequired
In service since16-Jun-1997

The 781 area code is a geographic North American Numbering Plan (NANP) code covering Arlington, Massachusetts. It has been in service since 16-Jun-1997 and sits in the Eastern (ET) time zone.

Overlay 781 shares its region

Several area codes cover the same geographic area, so two neighbours can have different codes. Because of the overlay, you must dial all 10 digits (area code + number) even for local calls.

781339617

How to dial a 781 number

From abroad+1 781 555-0123
Within the US / Canada1 781 555-0123
Locally (same area)781 555-0123

Cities in the 781 area code

A 781 number is usually in one of these places in Massachusetts — 4 counties.

Arlington MiddlesexBraintree NorfolkBurlington MiddlesexDedham NorfolkLexington MiddlesexLynn EssexMalden MiddlesexMarblehead EssexMedford MiddlesexMelrose MiddlesexNeedham NorfolkNorwood NorfolkRandolph NorfolkReading MiddlesexRevere SuffolkSaugus EssexStoneham MiddlesexWakefield MiddlesexWaltham MiddlesexWellesley NorfolkWeymouth NorfolkWinchester MiddlesexWoburn Middlesex

Other Massachusetts area codes

339351413508617774857978

Frequently asked questions

Where is the 781 area code?

The 781 area code is in Arlington, Massachusetts, United States (Eastern (ET)).

Is 781 an overlay area code?

Yes. 781 overlays the same region as 339, 617, so callers dial all 10 digits.

Do I have to dial 10 digits for 781?

Yes — dial the area code plus the seven-digit number.

How do I call a 781 number from another country?

Dial your exit code (or +), then 1, then 781, then the number: +1 781 555-0123.

Source: NANPA numbering plan. An area code covers a region, not a precise address — a 781 number does not pinpoint a street or ZIP code.

Missed a call from +1 781?

In the 30 days to September 24, 2026, 392 unwanted calls showing a 781 number were reported to the US Federal Trade Commission, 70% of them recorded messages or robocalls. That puts 781 at #252 of 670 area codes reported.

Other130
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)115
Home improvement & cleaning38
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends31
Before you call back
  • If you do not know anyone in Massachusetts, do not call back: a genuine caller will leave a message or send a text.
  • Scammers fake the number shown on caller ID, so a 781 number can hide a caller anywhere in the world.
  • Never give a code received by text or a bank detail to an unknown caller. In the US, calls can be reported at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Who issues +1 781 numbers

Phone companies hold blocks of numbers in each area code. The main holders in 781:

Verizon New England Inc. 232Mcimetro Access Transmission Services LLC 92Paetec Itel, LLC 69Level 3 Communications, LLC 59Tc Systems, Inc. 57Metropcs, Inc. 43

About 7.2% of the 795 prefixes in use belong to mobile carriers: a 781 number is often a cell phone, and it may have moved to another carrier since.

Sources: FTC Do Not Call reported calls (numbers as reported by consumers, not verified), NANPA central office code assignments.

All US area codes United States +1 Map of area code 781 — cities & rate centres