Area code 609

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Area code 609 in New Jersey includes arguably three of the most strategic locations in New Jersey: The State Capital of Trenton, the renowned resort town of Atlantic City and Princeton, home of the prestigious Princeton University.

It was created in 1958 when the original 201 area code for New Jersey was divided into two area codes. Presently, it covers parts of Central Jersey, South Jersey and the Jersey Shore. The southwestern part of the state adjacent to Philadelphia is now covered by area code 856, as a result of a split of the area codes in 1999.

The area covered by 609 divides two separate regions in New Jersey. On the one hand, Mercer County is important because Trenton and Princeton are located in the county. Mercer County is a relatively wealthy county that serves as a bedroom community for both New York and Philadelphia commuters, though more New York commuters have been migrating there in recent years. Mercer County also serves as an important educational hub. In addition to the prestigious Princeton University, Mercer County also has many established prep schools. On the other hand, 609 also covers Atlantic City and portions of the Jersey Shore. These areas are very different from Mercer County, with their economies focused on tourism. The areas around the Jersey Shore are primarily middle class communities with a very different lifestyle, perhaps because most of these places do not touch New York or Philadelphia. Both regions are important for New Jersey though, because unlike New York or Philadelphia, Princeton and Atlantic City are actually in New Jersey. Trenton is obviously important because it is New Jersey's capital.

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State of New Jersey Area Codes: 201, 551, 609, 732, 848, 856, 862, 908, 973
	North: 732/848/908
West: 215/267/856	609	East: Atlantic Ocean
	South: 302
State of New York Area Codes: 212, 315, 347, 516, 518, 585, 607, 631, 646, 716, 718, 845, 914, 917
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Area Codes: 215, 267, 412, 484, 570, 610, 717, 724, 814, 835, 878
State of Delaware Area Code: 302