978 Area Code: Lowell & the Merrimack Valley

978 split from 508 in 1997 to serve the growing communities north and west of Boston.

History & Coverage

978 covers Lowell, Lawrence, and the Merrimack Valley, alongside Route 128 tech corridor towns like Chelmsford and Andover.

Why Businesses Choose 978

• Tech corridor proximity: 978 sits along part of the Route 128 tech belt, historically nicknamed "America's Technology Highway"
• Mill town revitalization: Lowell's historic textile mills have been redeveloped into offices, lofts, and startup space
• Strong logistics access: the Merrimack Valley offers convenient access to both Boston and southern New Hampshire

Key Industries & Neighborhoods

Lowell anchors a revitalized mill-district tech and arts scene, while Andover and Chelmsford support established technology and defense contractors.

Fun Facts

• Lowell was one of America's first planned industrial cities during the 19th-century textile boom
• Raytheon has long maintained a major presence in the 978 tech corridor

Conclusion

For tech, defense, and redevelopment-focused businesses, 978 bridges Massachusetts' industrial past with its modern innovation economy.