03245, Holderness, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03245, Holderness, New Hampshire is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.17 percent of residents in 03245 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Speare Memorial Hospital with a distance of 2.79 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03245 (Holderness, NH)

The picturesque town of Holderness, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03245), offers a serene lifestyle, nestled amongst the Lakes Region's natural beauty. However, assessing its overall health requires examining a crucial element: **healthcare access**. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" by analyzing the **transportation** landscape and its impact on residents’ ability to reach medical facilities. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering valuable insights for those **moving to Holderness** and seeking a clear picture of healthcare accessibility.

Holderness, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities concerning healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles is significant, and understanding the road network is paramount. The primary artery connecting Holderness to larger towns and cities is **Interstate 93 (I-93)**. This major highway offers the fastest route to regional medical centers, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak seasons and weekends, can significantly impact travel times.

To the east, **Route 104** provides a connection to Meredith and beyond, offering access to some local medical practices and services. Heading south, **Route 3** offers an alternative route, although it is often slower than I-93. Smaller local roads, such as **High Street** and **Holderness Road**, are essential for navigating within the town and reaching local facilities.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in the overall health score. The closest hospital, **Speare Memorial Hospital** in Plymouth, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via I-93, assuming normal traffic conditions. This is a relatively manageable timeframe for routine appointments and less urgent medical needs. However, for emergencies, every minute counts.

Specialty care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures, often necessitates travel to larger hospitals in Concord or Lebanon. The drive to **Concord Hospital** is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via I-93, a considerable journey that could be further complicated by weather or traffic. Similarly, the drive to **Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center** in Lebanon is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, also primarily via I-93.

Public transit options in Holderness are limited. The **Lakes Region Transportation Company (LRTC)** provides some bus services in the surrounding areas, but service within Holderness itself is sparse. While LRTC does offer some routes that may connect to Plymouth, the frequency and coverage are not ideal for consistent healthcare access. The lack of robust public transportation significantly impacts individuals without personal vehicles, particularly seniors and those with disabilities.

The LRTC buses, where available, are generally equipped with **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)**-compliant features, including ramps or lifts and designated seating areas. However, the limited service and potential for lengthy travel times can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues or other health concerns. The lack of frequent service makes it challenging to rely on public transit for timely access to medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Lakes Region, including Holderness. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some residents, especially when frequent medical appointments are required. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution, its reliability and affordability must be considered carefully.

Medical transport services are available for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. **CareRide** and **American Medical Response (AMR)** are among the providers operating in the region. These services offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, medical transport services can be expensive and often require pre-booking, which may not be ideal for urgent medical needs.

The availability of these services is a crucial component of the overall health score. For those with mobility limitations or other health conditions, medical transport provides a vital link to healthcare access. However, the cost and scheduling requirements can create barriers for some individuals. The effectiveness of these services directly impacts the overall health score, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Holderness, ZIP Code 03245, reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Speare Memorial Hospital provides reasonable access for routine care, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers alternative solutions, but their reliability, cost, and scheduling requirements must be considered.

For individuals **moving to Holderness**, it is crucial to carefully assess their healthcare needs and **transportation** capabilities. Those who rely on public transit or have limited mobility may face significant challenges in accessing timely medical care. While the natural beauty and peaceful lifestyle of Holderness are undeniable, prospective residents must weigh the benefits against the potential limitations of healthcare access.

The overall health score is further influenced by the availability of local medical practices, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities. The presence of these local resources can mitigate the need for frequent travel to larger hospitals. However, the reliance on the road network and the potential for traffic congestion can still impact access.

In conclusion, the overall health score for healthcare access in Holderness, ZIP Code 03245, is moderate. The relatively close proximity to a local hospital and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are positive factors. However, the limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for lengthy travel times to specialized care facilities present challenges. Prospective residents should carefully consider these factors when evaluating the suitability of Holderness as a place to live, ensuring they can effectively navigate the **transportation** landscape to meet their **healthcare access** needs. The score underscores the importance of planning and preparedness for those **moving to Holderness**, emphasizing the need to consider all aspects of **healthcare access** in this beautiful, yet geographically isolated, community.