28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.05 percent of residents in 28445 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nmc Camp Lejeune with a distance of 21.11 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Holly Ridge (ZIP Code 28445)

Choosing a new home, especially when managing a condition like arthritis, demands careful consideration of healthcare accessibility. This "Arthritis Score" for Holly Ridge, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28445), analyzes the transportation landscape, crucial for those seeking timely and comfortable access to medical care. Factors like drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability are all weighed to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access. This is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Holly Ridge, aiming to ensure their healthcare needs are readily met.

Holly Ridge itself is a charming coastal community, but its relative isolation necessitates a deeper dive into transportation options. The primary challenge lies in the distance to specialized medical facilities, particularly those offering rheumatology and orthopedic services, which are essential for arthritis management. The overall goal is to understand how readily accessible healthcare is from various points within the ZIP code.

The cornerstone of transportation in Holly Ridge is the automobile. Driving is the most common method for accessing healthcare. However, the drive times can vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day. For general practitioners and urgent care facilities located within Holly Ridge, the commute is typically short, often under 15 minutes. This convenience is a significant advantage for residents needing routine check-ups or immediate care.

However, the landscape shifts when considering specialized care. The primary route to Wilmington, the nearest city with a comprehensive medical infrastructure, involves using **Highway 17**, a major thoroughfare connecting Holly Ridge to the larger urban center. During peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, traffic congestion on Highway 17 can extend the commute significantly. Expect drive times to Wilmington hospitals, such as New Hanover Regional Medical Center, to range from 30 to 45 minutes under normal conditions, potentially exceeding an hour during rush hour.

Alternatively, heading north towards Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune offers another option, although the medical facilities are generally less specialized. Accessing Jacksonville involves using Highway 17, with drive times to the nearest medical centers averaging around 30 minutes, subject to traffic conditions. This route might be preferable depending on the specific medical needs and the availability of specialists in Jacksonville.

Public transportation options in Holly Ridge are limited. The **Southeastern North Carolina Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)** provides some bus services, but the routes are infrequent and primarily focused on serving the needs of commuters and those traveling to Jacksonville. The RTA routes that serve the area, if any, are not designed for direct access to medical facilities. Furthermore, the accessibility features, such as ADA-compliant buses, should be confirmed by contacting the RTA directly. Public transit is unlikely to be a practical option for those with mobility challenges associated with arthritis.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Holly Ridge. However, their availability and reliability can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing offers a degree of flexibility, it is not a guaranteed solution for healthcare transportation. The cost of these services can be a burden for those with chronic conditions.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are available in the area. Companies like **Care Ride** and **American Medical Response (AMR)** offer non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be invaluable for individuals with limited mobility or those unable to drive. However, it is crucial to book these services in advance and to understand the associated costs, which can be substantial.

The availability of these services, and their ability to navigate the traffic on **Highway 17**, is a critical factor in the overall accessibility of healthcare. The reliability of medical transport is essential for those with arthritis, ensuring they can attend appointments without undue stress or physical strain.

For those considering moving to Holly Ridge, the proximity to healthcare facilities and the ease of transportation should be a key consideration. While the local amenities are appealing, the dependence on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose challenges for those with mobility issues. The drive times to specialized care and the potential for traffic congestion on Highway 17 are factors that need careful evaluation.

The Arthritis Score for Holly Ridge, therefore, is moderate. While basic healthcare is readily accessible within the community, access to specialized care requires reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport. The limited public transit options and the potential for traffic delays on Highway 17 necessitate careful planning and consideration for those managing arthritis.

The best approach for those with arthritis considering a move to Holly Ridge is to thoroughly research the availability of specialists, the cost of medical transport, and the potential impact of traffic on their ability to access healthcare. Understanding the local transportation infrastructure and its limitations is crucial for making an informed decision and ensuring a comfortable and accessible living environment. This detailed assessment is crucial for anyone prioritizing healthcare access.