We already knew that some people think that 212 area codes are the "new rent-controlled apartments," "retro-chic," and platonic ideals of hipness. But are they cool enough to hoard? A record executive wanted a 212 area code so badly, he paid $3,000 for 100 of them. At least that's still better than paying $1 million for one. more ›

Do you suffer from bad breath, low self-esteem, and unyielding, despondent loneliness? Do you long to be in the big game with the big players, way up high where it's always balmy, where no one snaps his fingers and says, "Hey, Shrimp, rack the balls!"? Well, sir/madam, pack your bags for Easy Street, because your ship has just come in: An area man has loosened his grip on a coveted 212 area code, and it could be yours on eBay today for just $1 million (or best offer)! more ›

Consider yourself very cool if you're one of the few New Yorkers who managed to snag a 212 area code on your cell phone, because some people will do nearly anything to shed themselves of the dreaded 917s, 718s 646s or 347s attached to their name. As Ashley Granata of fashion website Fashim told the Wall Street Journal, "212 numbers are the new rent-controlled apartments." Except, like most "old-school New York" trends, the coolness is based on myth. more ›

Move over, 646 and 347—there may be new area codes in town. CityRoom reports that the NY Public Service Commission (the same agency that oversees utilities like Con Ed) has issued a report with two options to deal with the shortage of potential 718 and 347 phone numbers to give out to folks for their cellphones, second cellphones, and whatever other devices. Option 1: "A new area code would be superimposed over the same geographic area covered by the existing 718/347 area codes," which covers all boroughs except Manhattan. Option 2: "A new area code would be superimposed over the same geographic area covered by the existing 718/347 area codes, as well as the area covered by the 212, 646 and 917 area codes," meaning the whole city would get the new area code. The PSC is accepting comments from the public. And apparently the 646 will run out of numbers by 2014! Remember when Elaine Benes tried to explain that it wasn't a NJ area code—"No, it's just like 212 except they multiplied every number by 3… and added 1 to the middle number." more ›