30120, Cartersville, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 30120, Cartersville, Georgia is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.29 percent of residents in 30120 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center with a distance of 3.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 30120

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access healthcare. For residents of Cartersville, Georgia, specifically within the 30120 ZIP code, this access is largely defined by the ease and efficiency of their **transportation** options. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the realities of commuting to healthcare facilities. It examines drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare accessibility for those considering **moving to Cartersville**.

The 30120 ZIP code, encompassing much of Cartersville, is a suburban and rural area. While it enjoys a relatively low population density, this also means that healthcare facilities are not always within walking distance. For most residents, the primary mode of transport to medical appointments is by personal vehicle. This reality makes the efficiency of the local road network paramount.

Driving to healthcare facilities in and around Cartersville often involves navigating a combination of highways and local roads. The primary thoroughfare is Interstate 75 (I-75), which runs north-south, providing access to hospitals and clinics in both directions. Travel times on I-75 are heavily influenced by traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours. Heading south towards Atlanta, congestion is common. Heading north towards Chattanooga offers a less congested route.

State Route 20 (SR-20) is another key artery, connecting Cartersville to surrounding areas. This road can be a quicker alternative to I-75 for shorter trips, but it also experiences congestion, especially near intersections and during school hours. Other local roads, such as Main Street and Euharlee Road, provide access to various medical offices and clinics within the city limits. These roads are generally less congested but can still be impacted by local traffic.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day. For residents within the city limits, reaching a primary care physician or urgent care clinic might take only 5-10 minutes. However, accessing specialist appointments or hospitals, especially those located in Atlanta, can easily extend to 30 minutes to an hour or more, particularly during peak travel times.

Public transit options within the 30120 ZIP code are limited. The primary provider is the Bartow County Transit System, offering bus routes that serve the county. However, these routes are primarily designed to connect residents to employment centers and shopping areas, with limited direct service to healthcare facilities. The bus system operates on a fixed-route schedule, with service generally available Monday through Friday.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. Bartow County Transit System vehicles are equipped with features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including ramps, lifts, and designated seating. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service can still pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.

The lack of robust public transit underscores the importance of other **transportation** alternatives, such as ride-sharing services. Uber and Lyft operate in the Cartersville area, providing on-demand rides to various destinations, including healthcare facilities. These services offer a convenient option for those who do not own a car or are unable to drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services are also available for individuals with specific needs. These services cater to patients who require assistance with mobility or who are unable to travel independently. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These services typically require advance booking and can be costly.

The availability of these services is crucial for ensuring **healthcare access** for all residents. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and medical transport services can create disparities in access, particularly for low-income individuals, seniors, and those with disabilities.

The Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in the 30120 ZIP code reflects the balance between these various factors. The score considers drive times, the availability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport options.

The score also accounts for the geographical distribution of healthcare facilities. The presence of Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in nearby Marietta offers a comprehensive range of medical services, but the drive time from Cartersville can be significant. The presence of smaller clinics and medical offices within Cartersville improves the score, but the limited availability of specialized care can necessitate longer trips to Atlanta or other regional centers.

For individuals considering **moving to Cartersville**, the Overall Health Score is an important factor to consider. The score provides a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare. It highlights the importance of personal vehicles and the potential limitations of public transit. It also underscores the need to factor in the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

Ultimately, the Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in the 30120 ZIP code is influenced by the interplay of various factors. While the area benefits from the presence of major highways and the availability of ride-sharing services, the limitations of public transit and the potential for long drive times, especially to specialized medical facilities, impact the overall score.