31409, Savannah, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 31409, Savannah, Georgia is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

90.88 percent of residents in 31409 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.63 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Joseph's Hospital - Savannah with a distance of 2.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 31409

Considering a move to Savannah, Georgia, and specifically the 31409 ZIP code? Assessing healthcare access is paramount. This comprehensive analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for this area, focusing on the crucial element of transportation and its impact on your ability to reach medical care. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a detailed picture of the healthcare landscape.

The 31409 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Savannah's historic district and surrounding neighborhoods, presents a unique transportation profile. Its proximity to the city's core offers both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" here will be determined by the ease and efficiency of getting to medical facilities, factoring in various transportation modes and their associated challenges.

**Driving Times: The Paved Path to Care**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation in Savannah, and understanding drive times to healthcare providers is crucial. The primary arteries serving the 31409 area include Abercorn Street, a major north-south thoroughfare, and Drayton Street, which runs parallel. These roads, along with factors like traffic congestion and the location of your home within the ZIP code, influence travel times.

To reach St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital, a major healthcare provider, residents of 31409 typically face a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey usually involves navigating Abercorn Street or taking a more scenic route via Bull Street and then turning onto East 36th Street.

Memorial Health University Medical Center, another prominent hospital, is slightly further afield. A drive to this facility typically takes around 15-20 minutes, often requiring travel on Abercorn Street or the Truman Parkway, a limited-access highway that offers a faster route, especially during peak hours.

Smaller clinics and specialized practices are scattered throughout the area. Drive times to these facilities vary, but most are within a 10-20 minute radius. The presence of these diverse options contributes to a favorable aspect of the "Overall Health Score."

**Public Transit: Navigating the City on Wheels**

The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) system provides public transportation within Savannah, offering an alternative to driving. Several bus routes serve the 31409 ZIP code, connecting residents to various healthcare facilities.

Route 10, the most relevant route, travels along Abercorn Street, providing direct access to St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital. Route 14 also serves the area, offering connections to other parts of the city and, indirectly, to medical services.

However, public transit in Savannah has limitations. Frequency can be an issue, particularly during off-peak hours. The CAT system is committed to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, with all buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. This is a critical component of the "Overall Health Score," ensuring inclusivity for all residents.

The "Overall Health Score" is affected by the CAT system's limitations, as the reliability and convenience of public transit may not fully meet the needs of all residents, especially those with mobility issues or who require frequent medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Savannah, offering an on-demand transportation option to healthcare facilities. These services can be particularly useful for those who do not own a car or prefer not to drive.

Ride-sharing provides a convenient alternative to public transit, especially for those with mobility limitations or who need to travel at unusual hours. The cost, however, can be a factor, particularly during peak demand or for longer distances.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are also available in Savannah. These services cater to individuals who require specialized transportation due to medical conditions or disabilities.

Ambulance services are crucial for emergency situations, while NEMT provides transportation to medical appointments for those who cannot drive or use public transit. These services, while essential, can significantly impact the overall cost of healthcare, influencing the "Overall Health Score."

**The "Overall Health Score" in 31409: A Balanced Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in the 31409 ZIP code reflects a mixed bag. Driving times to major hospitals are generally manageable, with options for faster routes like the Truman Parkway. The availability of ride-sharing services adds another layer of convenience.

Public transit, while present, has limitations in terms of frequency and coverage. This is a significant factor that impacts the "Overall Health Score."

The availability of medical transport services, while crucial for those who need them, adds an additional layer of cost and complexity.

Considering these factors, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 31409 can be characterized as "Moderate to Good." While driving times are generally favorable and ride-sharing offers convenience, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on medical transport for some residents create challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Savannah and prioritizing healthcare access, a thorough assessment of their individual transportation needs is essential. Those who can drive or utilize ride-sharing services will likely find healthcare access relatively easy. However, those who rely on public transit or require medical transport should carefully consider the limitations and potential costs.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" is not a static number. It is a reflection of the individual's circumstances, the availability of various transportation options, and the overall healthcare infrastructure in the 31409 ZIP code.