626 Area Code: Pasadena & the San Gabriel Valley

626 split from 818 in 1997 to serve the rapidly growing San Gabriel Valley east of the Los Angeles basin.

History & Coverage

626 stretches from Pasadena through Arcadia, Monterey Park, and the San Gabriel Valley communities, an area known for both historic architecture and a large Asian-American business community.

Why Businesses Choose 626

• Research and technology prestige: Caltech and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory anchor 626 with world-class scientific credibility
• Thriving Asian business districts: the San Gabriel Valley is home to one of the largest concentrations of Chinese and Asian-American owned businesses in the US
• Established residential wealth: Pasadena and San Marino carry old-money prestige similar to other premier LA suburbs

Key Industries & Neighborhoods

Pasadena anchors research institutions and the annual Rose Parade, while Monterey Park and Alhambra support a dense retail and culinary business corridor.

Fun Facts

• JPL, within the 626, manages NASA's Mars rover missions
• The San Gabriel Valley is often called the "Chinese Beverly Hills" for its concentration of Asian-owned wealth and business

Conclusion

626 blends scientific prestige with one of the country's most dynamic Asian-American business communities, making it a strong choice for research, retail, and hospitality ventures alike.