Area code 253 serves the southern part of the Seattle metropolitan area in Washington state, including cities such as Tacoma, Federal Way, Lakewood, and Puyallup. It was created in 1997 from a split of area code 206 to better manage the rapid growth in the Puget Sound region. The area includes major ports, military installations like Joint Base Lewis–McChord, and a strong manufacturing base. 253 has become a vital part of telecommunications in the South Sound, reflecting the area's diverse population, economy, and proximity to Seattle. It remains a well-established standalone code.