14031, Clarence, New York Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 14031, Clarence, New York is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.16 percent of residents in 14031 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upstate New York Va Healthcare System (Western Ny Va Healthcare System) with a distance of 10.02 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Clarence, NY (ZIP Code 14031)

The pursuit of optimal health is a journey, and in Clarence, NY (ZIP Code 14031), that journey is intricately interwoven with the ease and efficiency of transportation. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the multifaceted landscape of **transportation** options available for accessing **healthcare access** within and around this suburban community. For those **moving to Clarence**, understanding these nuances is crucial for a seamless transition and continued well-being.

Clarence, a town characterized by its sprawling residential areas and pockets of commercial activity, presents a unique challenge when evaluating **healthcare access**. While the community boasts a generally high quality of life, the dispersed nature of services and the reliance on personal vehicles significantly impact the overall health score. This score, therefore, will reflect the accessibility, affordability, and convenience of various modes of transportation for accessing essential medical care.

**Driving the Narrative: Roadways and Drive Times**

The primary mode of transportation in Clarence is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The town's layout is designed around the convenience of cars, with well-maintained roadways facilitating movement. However, this reliance also creates vulnerabilities, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

Accessing healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas, such as Buffalo and Amherst, often requires navigating the major thoroughfares. The Kensington Expressway (NY-33) provides a direct route to downtown Buffalo, but it's notorious for heavy traffic during peak hours. A drive to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, home to several major hospitals, can take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic congestion.

Interstate 990, connecting to the New York State Thruway (I-90), offers another route to Buffalo and other medical centers in Amherst. This route is generally faster, but it also incurs tolls. Travel times to Amherst's hospitals, like Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, typically range from 15 to 25 minutes, excluding potential traffic delays.

Local roads, such as Transit Road (NY-78) and Main Street (NY-5), are essential for accessing local clinics, pharmacies, and urgent care facilities. However, these roads are often congested, particularly during rush hour, adding to the overall travel time and stress. The drive to the Clarence Medical Center, a local primary care provider, is usually a short 5-10 minute trip, highlighting the advantage of localized healthcare.

**Public Transit: A Limited but Present Option**

Public transit in Clarence is limited, significantly impacting the overall health score. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) operates bus routes that serve the area, but their frequency and coverage are not extensive. This limitation poses a challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, especially those with mobility impairments.

The NFTA Route 41, a key route, provides service along Transit Road, offering access to some medical facilities and shopping centers. However, the frequency of this route is often hourly, and the schedule may not always align with medical appointments. The NFTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route network and infrequent service make public transit a less viable option for many residents, particularly for those seeking specialized care outside of Clarence.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide an alternative transportation option. These services offer on-demand rides to healthcare facilities, offering a degree of flexibility and convenience. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as AMR (American Medical Response) and Liberty Ambulance, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for appointments and other healthcare-related needs. While these services are essential for individuals requiring assistance, they can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**The Overall Health Score: A Complex Equation**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in Clarence (14031) is moderately positive. The community benefits from the availability of localized healthcare providers and relatively easy access to major roadways. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create challenges.

For individuals who can drive, healthcare access is generally manageable, with drive times to major hospitals in the region ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. However, those without access to a vehicle face significant obstacles. The infrequent public transit service, combined with the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation, can create barriers to accessing timely and affordable healthcare.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Clarence**

For those considering **moving to Clarence**, a thorough assessment of individual transportation needs is crucial. Individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive should carefully evaluate the availability and accessibility of alternative transportation options.

Living near major roadways, such as Transit Road, can improve access to public transit and ride-sharing services. Exploring the availability of local healthcare providers within Clarence is also beneficial, as it minimizes travel time and reliance on external transportation.

The overall health score in Clarence could be significantly improved by expanding public transit services, improving route frequency, and increasing the availability of affordable transportation options. Furthermore, promoting community-based transportation programs and supporting initiatives that provide transportation assistance to vulnerable populations would enhance healthcare access for all residents.

In conclusion, while Clarence offers a desirable suburban lifestyle, the **transportation** landscape presents challenges for **healthcare access**. The "Overall Health Score" reflects a community where personal vehicles are the primary mode of transport, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve access to healthcare for all residents, especially those facing mobility limitations.