Area code 503 serves the Portland metropolitan area in northwestern Oregon, including cities like Portland, Salem, Beaverton, and Gresham. It was one of the original area codes established in 1947 and originally served the entire state. As Oregon’s population grew, 503 was reduced in size with the creation of 541 and overlaid by 971 in 2000. Portland, the state’s largest city, anchors the area with a thriving tech, arts, and food scene. 503 is deeply ingrained in the local identity and widely used in branding, media, and culture across the region.