21077, Harmans, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21077, Harmans, Maryland is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 21077 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Baltimore Washington Medical Center with a distance of 4.46 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21077 (Harmans, MD)

ZIP Code 21077, encompassing the charming community of Harmans, Maryland, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities. However, when considering overall health, a crucial factor is access to healthcare. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape impacting residents’ ability to reach medical services, providing an “Overall Health Score” based on commute times, available transportation options, and accessibility features. We’ll explore the realities of navigating the roads, public transit, and ride-sharing services to determine how easily residents can access the care they need.

The “Overall Health Score” for 21077 is significantly influenced by its location. Situated in Anne Arundel County, it's a stone's throw from both Baltimore City and Annapolis, offering residents a diverse range of healthcare providers. However, this geographical advantage is tempered by the realities of commuting. The primary arteries for transportation are the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), the Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard (MD-648), and the I-97, along with a network of smaller roads like Dorsey Road and Aviation Boulevard.

For residents relying on personal vehicles, the commute to healthcare facilities can vary considerably. During peak hours, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway often experiences heavy congestion, particularly near the interchanges with I-195 and MD-100. A trip to the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) in Glen Burnie, a major healthcare provider, can take anywhere from 15 minutes during off-peak hours to over 45 minutes during rush hour, depending on the specific origin point within 21077 and the traffic conditions. Similarly, accessing hospitals in Baltimore City, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital or the University of Maryland Medical Center, can easily exceed a 45-minute drive, particularly when navigating the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and the city streets.

Public transportation offers an alternative, although its availability and efficiency present challenges. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides bus service in the area, with routes like the 70 (serving the BWI Airport area), potentially offering connections to healthcare facilities. However, these routes often have limited frequency, particularly during evenings and weekends. Moreover, the travel times on public transit are typically longer than driving, due to multiple stops and potential transfers. While the MTA strives to provide ADA-compliant services, including accessible buses and paratransit options, the overall reliance on public transit for healthcare access in 21077 is limited.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another layer of transportation options. These services provide on-demand transportation, making them a convenient choice for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand. In Harmans, ride-sharing availability is generally good, but the cost remains a factor.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or other medical needs, represent a crucial resource. Companies like MedStar Mobile Healthcare and various private medical transportation providers operate in the area. These services offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, medical transport services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, making them less suitable for urgent or spontaneous healthcare needs.

Considering all these factors, the “Overall Health Score” for access to healthcare in 21077 is moderate. While the area benefits from its proximity to major healthcare providers in both Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, the cost of ride-sharing, and the specific needs of medical transport services all contribute to a complex transportation landscape.

For individuals considering moving to Harmans, the transportation factor should be a key consideration. Understanding the commute times, the availability of public transit, and the costs associated with different transportation options is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare access. Those who are highly dependent on public transit or have limited mobility may find healthcare access more challenging.

The “Overall Health Score” is also impacted by the availability of healthcare facilities within the ZIP Code itself. While 21077 may not have a major hospital within its boundaries, it does have access to primary care physicians, urgent care clinics, and pharmacies. This localized healthcare infrastructure reduces the need for long-distance travel for routine medical needs. However, specialized care often necessitates travel to larger medical centers in neighboring areas.

Ultimately, the “Overall Health Score” for 21077 is a reflection of the trade-offs inherent in suburban living. While the area offers a desirable lifestyle, access to healthcare requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options. The ability to navigate the roads, utilize public transit, or rely on ride-sharing services directly impacts the ease with which residents can access the care they need. As the population in Harmans continues to grow, improving public transit options, expanding ride-sharing availability, and ensuring the affordability of medical transport services will be crucial to maintaining a high “Overall Health Score” and supporting the well-being of the community. The ongoing development of healthcare facilities within the area will also be a positive factor.