[abalone]

> it's the default for people in the area

It's only the default for new numbers. People carry their old numbers with them when they move, unlike the olden days. Bottom line, contact lists have a lot more mixed area codes now.

> 95% of the numbers I call now are local businesses

That might explain the difference of perspective here. Most people call other people on their phones, not just businesses.

[spinthis]

At least according to the FCC, number portability was intended to allow moving between service providers. If you move across the country, there's no guarantee you'll be able to keep that number if you initiate service with another carrier. So in a sense, area codes are "supposed" to be meaningful (even if that's not so true today).