Area code 281 serves the Houston metropolitan area, particularly the suburbs to the north, west, and south of the city, including Sugar Land, Pasadena, and Spring. Introduced in 1996 as a split from 713, it was quickly overlaid with area code 832 in 1999 due to rapid population growth. The region is a major center for energy, aerospace, and healthcare. 281 is widely used for mobile phones and suburban residential lines and remains an essential part of Houston’s communications landscape. It reflects the sprawling development and continued expansion of one of the nation’s largest cities.