28409, Wilmington, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28409, Wilmington, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.16 percent of residents in 28409 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with a distance of 4.41 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28409

Welcome to Wilmington, North Carolina, a coastal city brimming with charm and opportunity. If you're considering moving to Wilmington, particularly to ZIP Code 28409, understanding your overall health score is crucial. This score considers your access to healthcare, a vital component of well-being, factoring in the ease and efficiency of your transportation options. This write-up delves into the complexities of commuting to healthcare facilities within and around 28409, offering a comprehensive perspective to inform your decision.

The 28409 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Wilmington, including areas like Pine Valley and parts of Monkey Junction. Residents here enjoy proximity to beaches and a generally pleasant climate. However, healthcare access is a multifaceted issue, and the transportation landscape plays a pivotal role. Your ability to readily reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency services directly impacts your overall health score.

One of the primary transportation modes in Wilmington is the personal vehicle. Navigating the city primarily involves driving, with major thoroughfares like **US-17 (Market Street)**, **US-74/76 (Carolina Beach Road)**, and **College Road** serving as arterial routes. **Independence Boulevard** and **South College Road** offer alternative routes to the major healthcare providers. Drive times to these facilities can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. Congestion is a common concern, particularly on Market Street, which can significantly extend travel times.

For residents in 28409, several major healthcare providers are within a reasonable driving distance. **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)**, a major hospital and trauma center, is accessible via Market Street or Independence Boulevard. Depending on your specific location within 28409, drive times to NHRMC can range from 10 to 25 minutes, excluding potential traffic delays. **Wilmington Health**, a large multi-specialty practice, has several locations throughout the city, including offices accessible from Market Street and Carolina Beach Road.

Beyond the major hospitals and clinics, numerous urgent care facilities, specialist offices, and pharmacies are scattered throughout the area. These facilities offer convenient options for routine check-ups, minor illnesses, and medication refills. However, the distribution of these services is not uniform, and residents in certain areas of 28409 might face longer drive times to access the specific care they need.

Public transportation in Wilmington is provided by **Wave Transit**. While Wave Transit offers a network of bus routes, its coverage and frequency may not fully meet the needs of all residents, especially those with mobility limitations or living in less densely populated areas. The **Route 101 (Market Street)**, **Route 102 (Carolina Beach Road)**, and **Route 201 (College Road)** are key routes that serve the 28409 area and connect to healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be limited.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. Wave Transit is committed to providing accessible services, with buses equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall ease of navigating the system can vary.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Wilmington and offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities, offering flexibility and potentially reducing travel times. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a factor, especially for frequent appointments or longer distances.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs who may require assistance. Several companies operate in the Wilmington area, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services cater to individuals who may have difficulty driving or using public transit due to mobility issues or other health concerns. The availability and cost of these services should be considered when evaluating your healthcare access.

The overall health score in 28409 is a complex equation. While the area offers a variety of healthcare options, the accessibility of these options is heavily influenced by transportation factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation all contribute to the overall score.

When assessing your health score, consider your individual needs and circumstances. If you have a reliable vehicle and are comfortable driving, you will likely find accessing healthcare relatively straightforward. However, if you rely on public transit, have mobility limitations, or prefer not to drive, your health score might be lower due to the challenges of navigating the transportation landscape.

The best way to enhance your health score is to proactively research and plan your healthcare transportation. Familiarize yourself with the available routes, estimate drive times, and explore ride-sharing or medical transportation options. Consider the location of healthcare facilities relative to your home and the potential impact of traffic congestion.

If you are moving to Wilmington, particularly to 28409, assess your healthcare needs and transportation preferences. The availability of convenient transportation options can significantly impact your overall well-being. The better prepared you are, the higher your health score will be. This includes a thorough understanding of the local transportation options, including **US-17**, **US-74/76**, **College Road**, and **Independence Boulevard**.

In conclusion, the overall health score in 28409 is influenced by a combination of factors, with transportation playing a pivotal role. While Wilmington offers a range of healthcare services, your ability to access these services depends on your chosen mode of transportation. By carefully considering your transportation needs and proactively planning your healthcare commute, you can optimize your overall health score and ensure access to the care you need. This includes understanding the limitations of Wave Transit and the benefits of ride-sharing services. The decision to move to Wilmington should include a thorough assessment of these factors.