Geographic Coverage & Key Cities

The 716 area code is one of the original codes from the North American Numbering Plan in 1947. Today, it covers a vibrant part of Western New York that includes all of Erie and Niagara Counties, Parts of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties, and some major cities and towns, such as Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, and Olean.

This region is home to more than 1.5 million people and includes some of New York State's busiest trade, tourism, healthcare, and education hubs. Buffalo, in particular, serves as a gateway to Canada and a business center for manufacturing, shipping, and technology sectors.

Thanks to recent overlays, including the 624 area code added in 2023, 716 continues to serve businesses and residents without change. Calls now require 10-digit dialing across the area.

A local number from this area code instantly positions your business as a trusted part of the Western New York community.

Key Economic Zones & Business Hubs

  • Cross-Border Trade & Shipping: Buffalo’s location near Canada makes it a major logistics and customs processing hub.
  • Manufacturing & Technology: Erie County supports advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and industrial tech startups.
  • Healthcare: Home to ECMC, Kaleida Health, and Roswell Park, the area is a healthcare leader in Upstate New York.
  • Education & Research: Institutions like the University at Buffalo fuel innovation and workforce development.
  • Tourism & Entertainment: Niagara Falls, with millions of annual visitors, supports hotels, dining, and tour services.
  • Agriculture & Wine: Outlying areas in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties contribute with wineries, farms, and local food production.

Time Zone & Business Impact

Buffalo and the greater 716 area code operate on Eastern Time, shifting between Eastern Standard Time (EST: UTC–5) from November to March and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT: UTC–4) from March to November. Like most U.S. regions, Western New York observes daylight saving time to stay aligned with national schedules.

Being on Eastern Time keeps businesses in sync with major financial centers like New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C. However, it also creates a three-hour gap with the West Coast, which can lead to missed connections if not managed effectively. AI-powered phone systems help bridge this gap, ensuring your business responds to every call, no matter where it originates.

Time Zone Advantages

  • East Coast Sync: Perfect for aligning with NYC-based finance, media, and healthcare industries
  • West Coast Awareness: AI adjusts call handling for the three-hour difference from California or Washington state
  • Automatic DST Shifts: Built-in updates for daylight saving ensure your schedule stays accurate
  • Time-Based Call Routing: Customize how calls are handled based on time of day or business hours
  • 24/7 Availability: AI reception ensures customers from different zones always receive a timely, helpful response
  • Improved National Reach: Stay competitive across the U.S. without extending office hours manually