35186, Wilsonville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35186, Wilsonville, Alabama is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.10 percent of residents in 35186 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Coosa Valley Medical Center with a distance of 15.63 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Wilsonville, AL (ZIP Code 35186)

This comprehensive analysis evaluates the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of Wilsonville, Alabama (ZIP code 35186), providing an "Overall Health Score" based on various transportation factors. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a detailed picture of healthcare access within the community. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those considering **moving to Wilsonville**, ensuring informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Wilsonville, a charming town nestled in Shelby County, offers a peaceful lifestyle. However, its relative remoteness necessitates careful consideration of transportation options when accessing healthcare. The **Overall Health Score** for Wilsonville reflects the balance between the town's tranquility and the practicalities of reaching essential medical services. This score incorporates the ease and efficiency of getting to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, directly impacting the overall well-being of the community.

**Drive Times: The Primary Mode of Transportation**

For most Wilsonville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare appointments. The town's location, while desirable for its rural character, presents challenges in terms of distance to major medical facilities. Assessing drive times is, therefore, paramount in understanding healthcare access.

The nearest significant healthcare hub is the city of Birmingham, approximately 40-50 miles away. Traveling to Birmingham typically involves navigating a combination of local roads and major highways. Residents usually begin their journey on County Road 39, which connects Wilsonville to the larger roadways. From there, the most direct route often involves taking US-280 West. This highway, a major thoroughfare, provides a relatively straightforward path towards Birmingham. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times.

Alternatively, residents might opt to take Interstate 65 North, accessible via County Road 42. While I-65 offers a high-speed route, it also experiences heavy traffic, especially during the morning and evening commutes. The choice between US-280 and I-65 often depends on the specific destination within Birmingham and the prevailing traffic conditions.

Drive times to Birmingham hospitals, such as UAB Hospital or St. Vincent's Birmingham, can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. Smaller clinics and specialist offices located closer to Wilsonville might offer shorter travel times, but the availability of specialized care is often limited outside of the larger metropolitan area. Regular checkups, specialist appointments, and emergency situations all require careful planning and consideration of travel time.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in Wilsonville and the surrounding areas are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), also known as MAX, operates a bus system serving the greater Birmingham area. However, BJCTA routes primarily focus on the city center and surrounding suburbs, with limited service extending into more rural areas like Wilsonville.

Currently, there are no direct MAX bus routes that serve Wilsonville. Residents relying on public transit would likely need to travel to a central location, such as Pelham or Hoover, to access a MAX route. This often involves a combination of local transportation, such as a taxi or ride-sharing service, to reach a bus stop. The lack of direct public transit significantly impacts **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Furthermore, the BJCTA system's accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and designated seating, are crucial for individuals with disabilities. However, the indirect nature of the routes and the potential for multiple transfers can create significant challenges for riders with mobility limitations. The absence of robust public transit infrastructure underscores the reliance on personal vehicles and the need for alternative **transportation** solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative **transportation** option for Wilsonville residents. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Ride-sharing fares can also be relatively expensive, especially for longer distances to Birmingham.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, provide a crucial lifeline for those unable to drive or use public transit. These services typically offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, often including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. Companies such as AMR (American Medical Response) and private medical transport providers operate in the Birmingham area, offering services to Wilsonville residents.

While medical transport services provide a valuable resource, they often require advance booking and can be costly. The availability of these services is essential for individuals with mobility limitations, chronic illnesses, or those recovering from surgery. However, the reliance on these services highlights the need for improved **healthcare access** options in Wilsonville.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Wilsonville**

The **Overall Health Score** for commuting to healthcare in Wilsonville, AL (ZIP code 35186) is moderate. While residents can access healthcare services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. Drive times to major medical facilities in Birmingham can be substantial, particularly during peak traffic hours. The lack of direct public transit and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability further complicate **healthcare access**.

For individuals considering **moving to Wilsonville**, it's crucial to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should consider the challenges associated with accessing medical services. The availability of medical transport services and the potential costs associated with these services should also be factored into the decision-making process.

Wilsonville offers a desirable lifestyle, but the distance to major healthcare facilities and the limited transportation options necessitate careful planning. Residents should familiarize themselves with the available **transportation** options, including drive times, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers. Proactive planning, including establishing relationships with local healthcare providers and understanding the available resources, is essential for ensuring adequate **healthcare access** and maintaining overall well-being in this charming, yet somewhat remote, community.