Area code 872 is an overlay code serving the city of Chicago, Illinois, alongside 312 and 773. Introduced in 2009, it was added as a solution to number exhaustion in one of the most densely populated telecom markets in the U.S. The 872 area includes the downtown Loop and surrounding neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, and Wicker Park. As an overlay, 872 doesn’t denote a different geographic area but is used interchangeably with 312 and 773 for assigning new phone lines. Chicago is a global city known for finance, architecture, food, transportation, and a thriving tech and arts scene. While 312 remains the most prestigious area code historically, 872 is a fully functional and increasingly common identifier for both mobile and business lines. It reflects the city’s growth and modern infrastructure, making it a valuable asset for those setting up shop or seeking recognition in one of the nation’s major urban centers.