11941, Eastport, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 11941, Eastport, New York is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.00 percent of residents in 11941 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peconic Bay Medical Center with a distance of 6.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Eastport, NY (ZIP Code 11941)

Eastport, nestled on the eastern edge of Long Island, offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a slower pace of life. However, prospective residents must consider a crucial factor: access to healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for commuting to medical facilities within and around ZIP code 11941, evaluating the accessibility and efficiency of various transportation options. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transportation, ultimately offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access for those considering moving to Eastport.

The foundation of healthcare access in Eastport is undeniably the private vehicle. The primary arteries for transportation are the **Sunrise Highway (NY-27)** and the **Montauk Highway (NY-27A)**. These roadways, while providing direct routes, are subject to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours and summer weekends. Drive times to major healthcare providers, such as Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead or Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions. A typical drive to Riverhead, approximately 15 miles, might take 25-40 minutes, while Southampton, roughly 20 miles, could extend to 35-50 minutes.

Secondary roads, including **County Road 51** and various local streets, offer alternative routes, but they often involve navigating residential areas and may add to overall travel time. During inclement weather, such as snowstorms or heavy rain, these roadways can become treacherous, further impacting healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays when scheduling medical appointments.

Public transportation, while present, presents significant challenges for healthcare access in Eastport. The **Suffolk County Transit (SCT)** operates several bus routes serving the area. Route 60 provides service along Montauk Highway, offering a connection to Riverhead and Southampton. Route 64 extends further west. However, these routes have limited frequency, especially during evenings and weekends.

Furthermore, the SCT system faces challenges in terms of accessibility. While all buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and priority seating, the routes themselves may not always be convenient for reaching specific medical facilities. Transfers between routes can add significant travel time, and the overall reliance on bus schedules can make it difficult to accommodate urgent medical needs.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another layer of transportation options. These services can provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities, offering a more flexible alternative to public transit. However, the availability of ride-sharing services in Eastport can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours. Surge pricing, a common practice during periods of high demand, can also make these services expensive, potentially creating a financial barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

Medical transportation services specifically cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Companies like **CareRide** and **Medicaid Transportation** offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically involve door-to-door transportation, often utilizing wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, booking these services requires advance planning, and availability may be limited, especially during peak times. The cost of these services can also be a factor, depending on insurance coverage and the distance traveled.

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Eastport reflects a mixed picture. The reliance on personal vehicles, while offering direct access, is vulnerable to traffic congestion and weather-related delays. Public transportation presents limitations in frequency, accessibility, and route coverage. Ride-sharing services offer flexibility but may be subject to availability and cost constraints. Medical transportation services provide specialized support but require advance planning and may be subject to availability.

For individuals considering moving to Eastport, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation preferences is essential. Those who require frequent medical appointments or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the accessibility of healthcare facilities and the reliability of transportation options. The availability of personal vehicles, the ability to drive during peak hours, and the willingness to utilize ride-sharing or medical transportation services will significantly influence the overall healthcare access experience.

The proximity to larger towns like Riverhead and Southampton, with their more comprehensive healthcare facilities, offers some reassurance. However, the travel times and transportation challenges must be factored into the decision-making process. The “Overall Health Score” for Eastport, therefore, is moderately positive, with the caveat that healthcare access requires careful planning and adaptability. Prospective residents should research the specific healthcare providers they intend to utilize and assess the feasibility of their chosen transportation methods.

Furthermore, the ongoing development of transportation infrastructure and the potential expansion of public transit services could positively impact the "Overall Health Score" in the future. As Eastport grows, the demand for improved healthcare access will likely increase, prompting further investment in transportation solutions. This could include expanded bus routes, enhanced ride-sharing availability, and greater accessibility to medical transportation services.

In conclusion, while Eastport offers a desirable lifestyle, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare presents a moderate challenge. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential constraints of ride-sharing and medical transportation services require careful consideration. Individuals considering moving to Eastport should prioritize a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation preferences to ensure they can access the medical care they require. The evolving transportation landscape holds the potential for future improvements, but for now, proactive planning is key to navigating the healthcare access landscape in this charming Long Island community.