28104, Matthews, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28104, Matthews, North Carolina is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.48 percent of residents in 28104 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health Matthews Medical Center with a distance of 4.93 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28104 (Matthews, NC)

Moving to Matthews, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28104), presents a compelling lifestyle choice, marked by its suburban charm and family-friendly atmosphere. However, a crucial aspect to consider when evaluating any new location is the accessibility of healthcare. This comprehensive analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for 28104, focusing specifically on the ease of commuting to medical facilities. We will examine drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport services, painting a detailed picture of healthcare access within this desirable community.

The "Overall Health Score" for 28104 is a composite assessment, weighing factors like proximity to medical facilities, transportation options, and potential barriers to access. This score aims to provide prospective residents with a realistic understanding of how easily they can reach necessary medical care.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roadways**

The primary mode of transportation in Matthews is the personal vehicle. Therefore, understanding drive times to healthcare providers is paramount. Residents of 28104 benefit from relatively easy access to medical facilities, but traffic patterns can significantly impact travel times, especially during peak hours.

Major thoroughfares like Independence Boulevard (US-74) and Matthews Township Parkway serve as critical arteries for accessing healthcare. Driving east on Independence Boulevard provides access to Atrium Health Matthews, a comprehensive medical center offering a wide range of services. During off-peak hours, the drive might take as little as 5-10 minutes from central 28104. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily double, potentially reaching 20-30 minutes, particularly if there is an accident.

Traveling west on Independence Boulevard leads to facilities in Charlotte, including Atrium Health's main campus and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. These trips, while offering a broader selection of specialists and advanced care, require navigating heavier traffic and longer distances. Expect a 20-30 minute drive in light traffic, potentially stretching to 45 minutes or more during peak congestion.

Matthews Township Parkway offers another route to Atrium Health Matthews, providing an alternative to Independence Boulevard. This route is often less congested, offering a potentially faster commute, especially for residents in the northern parts of 28104.

Smaller roads like Monroe Road and Sardis Road North also contribute to healthcare access, connecting residents to various clinics and urgent care facilities. These routes offer shorter travel times for routine appointments, but they can also become congested during peak hours.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

While the personal vehicle reigns supreme, public transportation options exist, albeit with limitations. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) provides bus service to and from Matthews, but its routes and frequency can be a barrier to healthcare access.

Route 23 (Matthews-Mint Hill) is a key bus route serving 28104, connecting to the LYNX Blue Line light rail at the Sharon Road West Station. This route offers a connection to uptown Charlotte, where a greater concentration of healthcare facilities is located. However, the bus frequency can be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends, potentially adding significant travel time to medical appointments.

Accessibility is a crucial factor. CATS buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the reliance on bus schedules and potential transfers can present challenges for those with mobility limitations or complex medical needs.

For those seeking specialized care in uptown Charlotte, utilizing the LYNX Blue Line from the Sharon Road West Station offers a relatively efficient option. The light rail provides a more consistent and less traffic-dependent commute, but it requires a bus connection to reach the station, adding to the overall travel time.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another layer of transportation options for healthcare access in 28104. These services provide on-demand transportation, offering a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or complex medical needs. Companies like CareRide and Senior Transportation offer specialized transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services provide a vital lifeline for those who cannot drive or utilize public transportation.

The availability of medical transport services is a crucial asset for residents with disabilities or chronic health conditions. These services often require advance booking, ensuring that individuals can reliably reach their medical appointments.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations**

The "Overall Health Score" for 28104 reflects a mixed picture. The area benefits from relatively easy access to Atrium Health Matthews, a major medical center. However, reliance on personal vehicles and potential traffic congestion, particularly on Independence Boulevard, can impact travel times.

Public transit offers limited options, with bus routes and schedules potentially adding to travel times. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide crucial alternatives, but their cost and availability should be considered.

The proximity of 28104 to Charlotte offers access to a wider range of specialists and advanced medical care. However, this necessitates longer commutes and reliance on major roadways, increasing the potential for traffic delays.

For residents who prioritize healthcare access, careful consideration of these factors is crucial. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should factor in the limitations of the CATS system and the availability of medical transport services. Individuals who prefer to drive should be prepared for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" for 28104 is positive, but it’s not without its nuances. The ability to easily reach healthcare facilities is crucial for a community's well-being. By understanding the transportation landscape, prospective residents can make informed decisions about moving to Matthews, ensuring they can access the medical care they need. The choice of where to live involves weighing various factors, but for many, convenient healthcare access is a top priority.