Area code 828 serves western North Carolina, including the city of Asheville and surrounding areas such as Boone, Hickory, Morganton, and Waynesville. It was created in 1998 from a split of area code 704 to better serve the growing population in the mountainous regions of the state. The 828 area is known for its scenic beauty, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a thriving arts and tourism industry centered around Asheville. The region includes both rural and urban communities with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and cultural heritage. 828 remains a standalone code and is a distinct symbol of western North Carolina’s unique lifestyle and natural appeal.