703

703 is an area code that covers the Northern Virginian areas of Arlington, Alexandria City, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Manassas City, parts of Loudoun, Stafford, and Faquier. It was the original area code for the whole state of Virginia, but it was then split from the southern area of the state in 1973 to create area code 804. Area code 703 was split again in 1995 to create 540, and it's current footprint in Northern Virginia. Due to the increase of residents in the Northern Virginia area, it had to be overlaid in 2000 to prevent further splitting of the area code to just the cities of Arlington and Alexandria. It is preferred to have a 703 number than a 571 number for people in Northern Virginia, and some people go great lengths to avoid the 571 stigma as many people see it as a cell phone area code, or as an outcast area code. Many people show their pride for the Northern Virginia area by getting custom merchandise with the 703 area code such as hats, shirts, and other accessories.