03047, Greenfield, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03047, Greenfield, New Hampshire is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.99 percent of residents in 03047 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monadnock Community Hospital with a distance of 5.36 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03047 (Greenfield, NH)

The overall health score for residents of Greenfield, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03047), is significantly impacted by the accessibility of healthcare services. A critical component of health is the ability to obtain timely and appropriate medical care, and this is often determined by the ease of **transportation**. Greenfield, a rural community nestled in the Monadnock region, presents unique challenges and opportunities in this regard. This write-up will assess the available **healthcare access** options, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive overview for individuals considering **moving to Greenfield**.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Greenfield is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town itself is relatively small, with limited local healthcare facilities. Residents frequently need to travel to larger towns and cities for specialized care, appointments, and emergency services. Understanding the distances and **transportation** options is paramount to gauging the overall health score.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most direct route for accessing healthcare from Greenfield involves navigating the local roadways. The primary arterial route is Route 31, a winding two-lane road that connects Greenfield to larger towns. Heading south on Route 31, residents can reach Peterborough (approximately 15-20 minutes), which offers a small hospital and various medical practices.

To the north, Route 31 leads to Hillsborough (about 25-30 minutes), where additional healthcare options are available. However, these drive times are highly susceptible to seasonal weather conditions, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can significantly increase travel time and pose safety risks.

For more comprehensive healthcare, residents often need to travel further afield. Keene, New Hampshire, a regional hub with a larger hospital, is accessible via Route 101, a major east-west thoroughfare. The drive to Keene from Greenfield is approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. This route involves traversing through the scenic, but often winding, roads of the Monadnock region.

Manchester, the largest city in New Hampshire, and home to major medical centers, is a more significant undertaking. The journey to Manchester typically involves taking Route 31 to Route 101, then connecting to the Everett Turnpike (also known as the F.E. Everett Turnpike). This trip can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Greenfield are extremely limited, significantly impacting the overall health score for those without access to a personal vehicle. There is no local bus service within Greenfield itself. The closest public transit options are found in neighboring towns.

The Monadnock Community Transit (MCT) provides limited service in the Monadnock region. While MCT does not directly serve Greenfield, it offers routes to Keene, which can then provide access to healthcare facilities. However, these routes are infrequent, operating primarily during weekdays, and may not be suitable for all healthcare needs.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) also provides some statewide bus services, but these routes typically do not directly connect Greenfield to major medical centers. They may require multiple transfers, significantly increasing travel time and complexity.

The lack of robust public transit poses a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals who cannot drive, including seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of regular, reliable bus service diminishes the overall health score for this demographic.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transit systems provide accessible services. While MCT and NHDOT strive to comply with ADA regulations, the limited service frequency and route options can still create challenges for individuals with disabilities. Ensuring accessible **transportation** to and from medical appointments is critical for maintaining the health and well-being of this population.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability is often limited, especially in rural areas like Greenfield. The response times for ride requests can be lengthy, and the cost can be prohibitive for frequent medical appointments. This further impacts the overall health score for those who rely on these services.

Specialized medical transport services are available, but they are typically reserved for non-emergency medical needs, such as dialysis appointments or physical therapy. These services often require pre-booking and can be expensive. The availability of medical transport services can be a lifeline for some, but it does not fully address the broader need for reliable and affordable **transportation** to healthcare facilities.

Several medical transport brands operate in the region. These companies offer various levels of service, from basic transportation to wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. Some of the prominent providers include: American Medical Response (AMR), Life Line Ambulance Service, and private transportation services specializing in non-emergency medical **transportation**.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for residents of Greenfield, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03047), is negatively impacted by the limited **transportation** options to healthcare facilities. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with long drive times to access specialized care, presents challenges. The lack of robust public transit, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport further exacerbate these challenges.

Individuals considering **moving to Greenfield** should carefully evaluate their **healthcare access** needs. Those who rely on public transit, have mobility limitations, or lack access to a personal vehicle may find it difficult to obtain timely and appropriate medical care.

The overall health score is also affected by the availability of local healthcare providers. While Greenfield has some local medical practices, residents often need to travel to larger towns and cities for specialized care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and increased healthcare costs.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score in Greenfield, New Hampshire, is significantly influenced by the challenges associated with accessing healthcare. While the town offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the limited **transportation** options pose a significant barrier to **healthcare access**. Individuals considering **moving to Greenfield** should carefully assess their healthcare needs and consider the impact of travel times, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Addressing these challenges through community initiatives, expanded public transit, and increased access to local healthcare providers is crucial to improving the overall health score and ensuring the well-being of Greenfield residents.