Area code 973 serves northern New Jersey, including cities such as Newark, Paterson, Morristown, and Clifton. It was created in 1997 from a split of the 201 area code, which originally covered all of New Jersey. In 2001, area code 862 was added as an overlay, and ten-digit dialing became mandatory. The 973 region is a dense and diverse area with strong cultural, financial, and transportation links to New York City. It is home to historic sites, universities, and thriving urban centers. 973 remains a well-known and frequently used area code in northern New Jersey, representing the state’s dynamic urban core.