10506, Bedford, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 10506, Bedford, New York is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.01 percent of residents in 10506 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northern Westchester Hospital with a distance of 4.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Bedford, NY (ZIP Code 10506)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. In Bedford, New York (ZIP Code 10506), the ease with which residents can reach medical professionals, specialists, and hospitals significantly impacts their overall well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Bedford, considering various transportation options and their associated challenges. For those considering **moving to Bedford**, understanding these factors is crucial for informed decision-making.

Bedford, a picturesque town nestled in Westchester County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While offering a tranquil environment, its semi-rural nature influences transportation options and travel times. The Overall Health Score for Bedford, therefore, reflects a nuanced assessment of the available resources and their accessibility.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Bedford is personal vehicles. The town’s layout, characterized by winding roads and limited public transit, makes driving a necessity for many residents. The major roadways influencing commute times include the Saw Mill River Parkway, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and Interstate 684.

Reaching healthcare facilities in surrounding towns, such as Mount Kisco, requires navigating these highways. The Saw Mill River Parkway, while offering a direct route south, often experiences heavy traffic during peak hours, especially near the Cross County Parkway interchange. The Hutchinson River Parkway, providing access to the east, can also be congested, particularly during rush hour. Interstate 684, a vital north-south artery, offers a faster route to more distant hospitals, but its accessibility depends on the specific location within Bedford.

Drive times vary considerably depending on the destination and time of day. A trip to Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, a common destination, can range from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Traveling to hospitals in White Plains or New York City necessitates longer commutes, potentially exceeding an hour during peak times. The condition of local roads, such as Bedford-Katonah Road and Old Post Road, also impacts travel times, with potholes and narrow lanes adding to the complexity.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Bedford are limited, posing a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line provides service from the Bedford Hills station, offering a potential connection to healthcare facilities in New York City. However, the station is not centrally located in Bedford, requiring residents to drive or rely on local transportation to reach it.

The Bee-Line Bus System, Westchester County’s public bus network, operates routes that serve Bedford. However, these routes are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the bus system's coverage within Bedford is limited, and service frequency is reduced during evenings and weekends. This can create significant barriers for residents needing to access healthcare outside of standard business hours.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility of public transit is a crucial consideration. Metro-North stations are generally ADA-compliant, with elevators and ramps to ensure accessibility. However, the availability of accessible bus routes and the ease of transferring between different modes of **transportation** can vary. The lack of comprehensive public transit infrastructure exacerbates the challenges for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services in Bedford can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited cell service. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, provide a vital lifeline for those unable to drive or use public transit. These services, such as ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transport providers, offer door-to-door service, ensuring patients can reach their appointments safely and comfortably. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and advance booking is often required.

**Specific Medical Transportation Brands:**

Several medical transportation brands operate in the Bedford area, including:

* **CareRide:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides both emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services.
* **TransCare:** Specializes in ambulance and medical transport services.

The specific availability and pricing of these services should be confirmed directly with the providers.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in Bedford (10506) is moderate. While the town offers a relatively safe and pleasant environment, its reliance on personal vehicles and limited public transit infrastructure creates challenges for healthcare access.

The score is influenced by several factors:

* **Drive Times:** Commute times to nearby healthcare facilities are generally manageable, but traffic congestion can significantly increase travel times.
* **Public Transit:** Limited public transit options restrict access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services provide an alternative, but availability and cost can be a barrier.
* **Medical Transportation:** Medical transportation services offer a crucial lifeline for those with mobility limitations, but availability and cost need consideration.

For those considering **moving to Bedford**, the Overall Health Score highlights the importance of assessing their individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Individuals who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the available options and plan accordingly. The availability of family or community support for **transportation** assistance can also significantly impact the ease of accessing healthcare.

The town's ongoing efforts to improve public transit and promote alternative **transportation** options could enhance the Overall Health Score in the future. However, for the present, residents must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the available **transportation** options when considering their healthcare needs. The score also emphasizes the need for individuals to proactively plan their healthcare journeys, considering traffic patterns, appointment times, and the availability of alternative **transportation** resources. The health and well-being of Bedford residents are inextricably linked to their ability to access healthcare, making the understanding of these **transportation** dynamics a critical aspect of community health.