04087, Waterboro, Maine Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 04087, Waterboro, Maine is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.46 percent of residents in 04087 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Spring Harbor Hospital with a distance of 21.10 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Waterboro, ME (ZIP Code 04087)

Considering a move to the charming town of Waterboro, Maine, and prioritizing your overall health? Understanding healthcare access is paramount. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare within and surrounding ZIP code 04087, evaluating transportation options, drive times, and accessibility features. This score aims to inform your decision-making process, painting a picture of the ease (or difficulty) of accessing vital medical services.

The "Overall Health Score" considers factors like travel time, transportation options, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and the availability of various medical specialties. We'll assess these elements to provide a comprehensive view of healthcare accessibility for potential residents.

Waterboro, nestled in York County, offers a serene lifestyle, but its rural character impacts transportation and, consequently, healthcare access. The primary mode of transportation is by personal vehicle, making drive times a critical factor. Public transportation is limited, and ride-sharing services may have variable availability.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most direct route to healthcare facilities from Waterboro involves driving. The primary roadways serving the area are **Route 202**, **Route 5**, and **Route 11**. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic, especially during peak hours.

For primary care, the **York Hospital Walk-In Clinic in Sanford** is a popular choice, typically a 20-30 minute drive via Route 202. This drive time can fluctuate depending on traffic conditions.

Specialty care often necessitates travel to larger medical centers. **Maine Medical Center in Portland**, offering a wide array of services, is approximately a 45-60 minute drive via **Route 202** and **the Maine Turnpike (I-95)**. This longer drive time should be factored into your overall health assessment.

**Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford**, another comprehensive medical center, is accessible via **Route 5** and **Route 11**, generally a 30-45 minute drive.

These drive times are estimates and can be affected by weather, time of day, and traffic. Consider these variations when evaluating the suitability of Waterboro for your healthcare needs.

**Public Transportation and Accessibility:**

Public transportation options in Waterboro are limited. **ShuttleBus**, the regional public transit system, provides some service, but routes are infrequent and may not directly serve all medical facilities.

The availability of ADA-compliant features on ShuttleBus vehicles is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. Confirm the specific routes and schedules that accommodate your needs.

Accessing healthcare via public transportation requires careful planning. It may involve multiple transfers and extended travel times.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, like **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments is not recommended.

Medical transportation services, such as **Care Ambulance** and **LifeFlight of Maine**, are available for non-emergency and emergency medical transport. These services cater to individuals who cannot drive or require specialized assistance. However, these services often require advance booking and can incur significant costs.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Waterboro:**

Evaluating healthcare access is a critical step when considering moving to Waterboro. While the town offers a tranquil environment, its rural location impacts transportation options and drive times to medical facilities.

The "Overall Health Score" for Waterboro is moderately impacted by these factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services can pose challenges for some residents.

However, the proximity to several well-equipped medical centers, including York Hospital, Southern Maine Health Care, and Maine Medical Center, provides access to a broad range of medical services.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Waterboro, ME (04087) is influenced by several factors. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services affect the score.

Drive times to primary care facilities, like the York Hospital Walk-In Clinic, are generally reasonable. However, accessing specialty care often involves longer travel times to medical centers in Portland or Biddeford.

The availability of medical transportation services and the presence of ADA-compliant features on some public transit vehicles provide options for individuals with disabilities.

When considering moving to Waterboro, carefully assess your healthcare needs and the transportation options available. Factor in drive times, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of public transportation.

The "Overall Health Score" suggests that while Waterboro offers access to healthcare, careful planning and consideration of transportation options are essential for ensuring convenient and timely access to medical services.