Area Code 717

Where Is Area Code 717?

Updated: March 20th 2024

Area code 717 is the area code for South Central Pennsylvania. Area code 717 is located in the Eastern Time Zone and covers 15 counties of Pennsylvania. When area code 717 was put into service on January 1, 1947, it was one of the 86 original area codes created by AT&T. On December 5, 1998, area code 717 was split to form area code 570. In 2017, area code 717 was overlaid with area code 223.

Lancaster is the eighth most populous city in Pennsylvania and the county seat of Lancaster County. Lancaster is one of the oldest inland cities in the United States and is home to the oldest and largest Amish settlement in the country. James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, lived in Lancaster for a few years; his estate is one of Lancaster’s most popular attractions. Lancaster has a humid continental climate and is located within driving distance of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Going back in history, the area was settled in 1709 by German immigrants who named the town Hickory Town. In 1734, James Hamilton designed the layout of the city and John Wright changed the name to Lancaster after the English city of Lancaster. Lancaster was given the nickname “Red Rose City” and incorporated as a city in 1818. During the American Revolution, Lancaster was an important munitions center. After the American Revolution, Lancaster manufactured products such as the Conestoga wagon and the Pennsylvania long rifle.

Lancaster has a population of 59,322 and the racial makeup of the city is 55.2% White, 39.3% Hispanic, 16.3% African American, and 3.0% Asian (2010 Census). Unfortunately Lancaster is among the top ten most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania.

Recently downtown Lancaster has underwent redevelopment and there also has been a growth in specialty shops, bars, and clubs. Lancaster is home to the Park City Center, the largest enclosed shopping center in Lancaster County, and the Lancaster Central Market, the oldest municipally operated market in the United States. Lancaster has a thriving art community and a rich history of theater and music. Points of interest in the city include the Fulton Theatre, the American Music Theatre, the Amish Farm and House, the Lancaster Science Factory, and the Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Harrisburg is the ninth most populous city in Pennsylvania and the capital of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg is the county seat of Dauphin County and is situated on the east bank of the Susquehanna River. Harrisburg has a humid subtropical climate and is located within a four-hour drive of New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Harrisburg has a population of 49,528 and the racial makeup of the city is 52.4% African American, 30.7% White, 18.0% Hispanic, and 3.5% Asian (2010 Census). Unfortunately Harrisburg is a dangerous city to reside in. Points of interest in the city include the National Civil War Museum, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania.

Major Cities In Area Code 717

Lancaster

Harrisburg

Lower Paxton Township

York

Manheim Township

York is a city in South Central Pennsylvania and the county seat of York County. Going back in history, York was founded in 1741 by settlers from the Philadelphia region. York was incorporated as a city in 1787 and was the city in which the Articles of Confederation were drafted and adopted. During the mid 19th century, York slowly transitioned from a regional center for local agriculture to an important industrial center. Throughout the mid 20th century, black residents of the city experienced racial discrimination and social injustices; the 1969 York Race Riot was the most notable riot. Today York has a population of 43,718 and the racial makeup of the city is 51.2% White, 28.5% Hispanic, 28.0% African American, and 1.2% Asian (2010 Census). Unfortunately York is a dangerous city to reside in. Downtown York features many well-preserved historic structures such as the York Meetinghouse and the York Central Market. The biggest annual event in the city is the York Fair; started in 1765, it is one of the country’s oldest fairs. Points of interest in the city include the Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations, the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, the Rocky Ridge County Park, and the York County History Center.

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