02324, Bridgewater, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 02324, Bridgewater, Massachusetts is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.83 percent of residents in 02324 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Morton Hospital with a distance of 7.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Bridgewater, MA (ZIP Code 02324)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its access to healthcare. This analysis, focusing on Bridgewater, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02324), examines the accessibility of medical services, considering transportation options and their impact on residents' overall health. Understanding the ease with which residents can reach doctors, hospitals, and other essential care providers is crucial for assessing the community's health score. This score reflects the current landscape and provides insights for individuals considering moving to Bridgewater.

Bridgewater, a town nestled in Plymouth County, offers a blend of suburban and rural living. Its location presents both opportunities and challenges regarding healthcare access. Proximity to major cities like Boston and Providence provides access to specialized medical centers, yet the reliance on transportation becomes a significant factor. The following sections detail the various modes of transportation available to Bridgewater residents, evaluating their efficiency, convenience, and potential impact on healthcare access.

**Driving to Healthcare: Navigating the Roads**

For many Bridgewater residents, the car remains the primary mode of transportation. The town's road network, while generally well-maintained, influences healthcare access through drive times. The primary arteries are Route 24 and Route 104. Route 24 provides a direct link to Boston, offering access to numerous hospitals and medical facilities. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times.

A drive to Boston's major hospitals, such as Massachusetts General Hospital or Brigham and Women's Hospital, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour during rush hour. Route 104 offers access to local healthcare providers and connects to other major roads, including Route 44, which leads to hospitals in Taunton. These local options are often more accessible, with drive times typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific destination and traffic conditions.

The availability of parking at healthcare facilities is another critical consideration. While local clinics often have ample parking, major hospitals in Boston can present challenges, potentially adding to the stress and time commitment associated with appointments. Considering these factors, the overall score for driving access to healthcare in Bridgewater is moderate.

**Public Transportation: Navigating the Rails and Buses**

Bridgewater is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), offering commuter rail and bus services. The commuter rail provides a direct link to Boston's South Station, offering convenient access to a wide range of medical facilities. The Bridgewater station is a key hub, and the train ride itself can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, offering a relatively reliable and predictable travel time.

However, the commuter rail's schedule may not always align perfectly with medical appointment times, and the need to transfer to other modes of transportation within Boston adds to the overall travel time. The MBTA bus routes within Bridgewater offer local transportation options, connecting residents to medical offices and other essential services.

Specifically, routes 11 and 12 provide service within Bridgewater, connecting to the commuter rail station and various points of interest. The MBTA strives to provide accessible services, with ADA-compliant buses and accessible features at train stations. However, the frequency of bus service, especially during evenings and weekends, may be limited, posing challenges for residents with mobility issues or those needing to attend appointments outside of regular business hours. The score for public transportation access to healthcare in Bridgewater is moderate, with the commuter rail offering a strong link to Boston but the bus service presenting some limitations.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option for Bridgewater residents. These services provide on-demand transportation, offering convenience and flexibility, particularly for those who do not own a car or prefer not to drive. The availability of ride-sharing services in Bridgewater is generally good, but the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as CareWell Transportation and MedRide, specialize in providing transportation for medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. They offer door-to-door service, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey to and from medical facilities. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have limited availability, particularly for short-notice appointments. The score for ride-sharing and medical transport access to healthcare in Bridgewater is moderate, with both options offering valuable services but also presenting limitations in terms of cost, availability, and scheduling.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Bridgewater (ZIP Code 02324) is moderate. The town offers a combination of transportation options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Driving provides flexibility but can be impacted by traffic. The commuter rail offers a reliable link to Boston, but bus service frequency and scheduling may be limiting. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide convenient alternatives, but cost and availability can be barriers.

For individuals considering moving to Bridgewater, understanding these transportation factors is crucial. If frequent medical appointments are anticipated, proximity to local healthcare providers or easy access to the commuter rail may be a priority. Considering the potential travel times and associated costs is essential for making an informed decision.

Furthermore, the availability of healthcare providers within Bridgewater itself is a key factor. The town has a mix of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities. However, the specific needs of an individual, such as access to specialized care or particular medical services, should be carefully considered.

The overall health score reflects the current transportation landscape and the availability of healthcare services. It is a dynamic measure, and improvements in public transportation, expansion of ride-sharing services, and increased availability of medical facilities could positively impact the score in the future. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Bridgewater, ensuring they can effectively access the healthcare they need to maintain their well-being. The ability to easily navigate the transportation options is a key component of a healthy lifestyle.