Area code 508 covers southeastern Massachusetts, including cities such as Worcester, New Bedford, and the Cape Cod region. Created in 1988 from a split with 617, it was later overlaid with area code 774, requiring ten-digit dialing. The region blends historic mill towns with vibrant coastal communities and commuter suburbs of Boston. It is a hub for education, healthcare, and maritime industries. Area code 508 is widely recognized throughout New England and carries cultural weight as a symbol of Massachusetts’ regional diversity, economic resilience, and coastal heritage.