Mobile Phones & Broadband

[NMirele5]

I am thinking about buying a boost mobile no contract phone and ending my contract/service with Verizon. My question is if I want to keep my original number and transfer it after buying the new phone, do I need to purchase the phone at a store in that same area code? i.e. I live in Los Angeles but my phone number is from Long Beach so do I need to go down to Long Beach to buy the new phone or may I buy it anywhere or online? Thank you in advance