Posted by Elizabeth Soliday on 5/11/08 11:25am
Msg #247072

Zip Code Search

When I type my zip code, someone else comes up first - this person has a different zip code. Does anyone know why?

Reply by Mona/MD on 5/11/08 12:04pm
Msg #247075

Possibly because you are doing a search for a broad area and the resultsjust show up that way. Also, it depends on your level of membership. I don't know what your level of membership is. Hope that helps.

Reply by Sir_Lawrence on 5/11/08 4:34pm
Msg #247088

It's your gepgraphical location to the CENTER of the zip code. For example, when you are on the freeway and a sign says 10 miles to Las Vegas, what does that mean? To the edge of the city? To the center of town? I believe it means to the city border line on that particular road. So it this case, the other person is actually closer to the "measuring point" of that zone than you are. I am in the same boat. I live in 43026 and I am a premier member. If you type in 43026 you will get Roger first, and me second. Roger lives in 43017, my neighboring zone.
ALSO...you may live in a zone (assigned by the USPS) but actually live in a different town according to state boundaries. You may have a Bethedsa zip code, but live in Potomac according to MD boarders. It gets confusing because the Gov (USPS), the State & the city (school zones) all have their own "lines". Bottom line, dont try to figure it out, it's really weird.

Reply by Nomad/OR on 5/11/08 5:11pm
Msg #247092

Yes, Sir Lawrence

"It's your geographical location to the CENTER of the zip code." is exactly correct. If you download a free copy of google earth, you will see that when entering locations. When I enter a city for a destination, it gives me the distance in miles to the center of the city, not the edge of it. You will also see that zip codes are very irregular in shape and have patterns that boggle the mind. Again, measured by the center, not the edge.