36105, Montgomery, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36105, Montgomery, Alabama is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.05 percent of residents in 36105 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center South with a distance of 2.74 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36105

Living in ZIP Code 36105, nestled in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, presents a unique tapestry of experiences. From the historic charm of Old Cloverdale to the bustling commercial corridors, this area offers a vibrant blend of residential and commercial spaces. However, when considering overall health, a crucial factor emerges: **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. This write-up analyzes the various modes of transport available to residents of 36105, assessing their efficiency, accessibility, and overall impact on the ability to reach vital medical services. Understanding these nuances is critical for anyone **moving to Montgomery** and seeking to establish a healthy lifestyle.

The foundation of healthcare access in 36105 is undoubtedly the automobile. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles to navigate the city's sprawling layout. This necessitates a thorough examination of drive times to major healthcare facilities. From 36105, accessing Baptist Medical Center South, a major regional hospital, typically involves navigating the busy intersections along **Atlanta Highway (US-231)**. During peak hours, this commute can stretch from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic congestion. Similarly, reaching Jackson Hospital, another significant healthcare provider, often involves traversing **Eastdale Mall**, adding to potential delays. The journey may involve **Eastern Boulevard**, a major artery, or the more direct route via **Woodmere Boulevard**.

The convenience of personal vehicles is undeniable, yet it comes with its own set of challenges. The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees can strain household budgets, particularly for low-income residents. Moreover, the reliance on cars can exacerbate traffic congestion, contributing to stress and potentially impacting the timeliness of medical appointments. The condition of local roads, including those in 36105, can also affect travel times and vehicle maintenance costs. Regular potholes and uneven surfaces can add to the wear and tear on vehicles, further increasing the financial burden on residents.

Public transportation offers an alternative, albeit with its own limitations. The Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) provides bus services throughout the city. While MATS routes do serve 36105, their coverage and frequency may not always align with the specific needs of healthcare access. For example, a resident needing to reach a specialist at Baptist Medical Center South might need to transfer buses, adding significant travel time. The routes that service the area include routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250. The buses are ADA accessible, featuring ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the frequency of service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another layer of **transportation** options. These services provide on-demand rides, potentially reducing wait times and offering a more direct route to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a deterrent, especially for individuals with limited incomes or those requiring frequent medical appointments. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can further exacerbate this financial burden. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing services may vary depending on the time of day and the specific location within 36105.

Medical transportation services specifically cater to the needs of individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Companies like MedTrans and First Choice Medical Transport offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, providing door-to-door assistance for medical appointments. These services are often covered by Medicaid or private insurance, making them a more affordable option for eligible individuals. However, the availability of these services may be limited, and scheduling appointments in advance is often necessary. The efficiency of these services is also dependent on traffic conditions and the logistical coordination of multiple pick-ups and drop-offs.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in 36105 is therefore a complex equation. The reliance on personal vehicles, while offering convenience, is tempered by the costs and congestion associated with automobile **transportation**. Public transit provides an affordable alternative but faces challenges related to frequency, route coverage, and travel times. Ride-sharing services offer flexibility but can be expensive. Medical transportation services provide specialized assistance but may have limited availability.

When considering **moving to Montgomery**, prospective residents of 36105 should carefully assess their **transportation** needs and the potential impact on their ability to access healthcare. Understanding the drive times to various medical facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, and the cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing and medical transportation services is crucial. This comprehensive assessment will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access and overall well-being in their new community. The health score is moderate, with areas for improvement in public transit and affordability of alternative transport.