17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.04 percent of residents in 17361 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan York Hospital with a distance of 12.79 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Shrewsbury, PA (ZIP Code 17361)

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access is a critical consideration for anyone, especially when contemplating a move to a new community. This comprehensive analysis delves into the transportation infrastructure and healthcare resources available within and surrounding Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17361), providing an "Overall Health Score" assessment. This score reflects the ease and efficiency with which residents can access essential medical services, ultimately impacting their overall well-being.

The foundation of this assessment lies in understanding the transportation options available. Shrewsbury, a charming borough in York County, is primarily a car-dependent community. While the region boasts a network of roads, the availability of public transit is limited, and ride-sharing services may have variable coverage.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The primary arteries serving Shrewsbury include Interstate 83 (I-83), a major north-south highway, and Pennsylvania Route 851, which provides east-west access. Other significant roads include Shrewsbury Road, which runs directly through the borough, and numerous local roads that connect to surrounding towns and villages.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a pivotal factor. For residents of Shrewsbury, the closest hospitals are located in York City, approximately 15-20 minutes away via I-83. This includes UPMC Memorial Hospital and WellSpan York Hospital, both offering a comprehensive range of medical services. Access to these facilities is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roadways and relatively low traffic volume, particularly outside of peak commuting hours.

Specialty clinics and urgent care centers are also available within a reasonable driving distance. Several urgent care facilities are located along the I-83 corridor, offering convenient options for immediate medical needs. Furthermore, a variety of specialist physicians, including cardiologists, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists, have practices in York City, requiring a similar drive time.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Shrewsbury are notably limited. The York County Transportation Authority (YCTA) provides bus services throughout the county, but routes serving Shrewsbury are infrequent and primarily focus on connecting the borough to York City.

The YCTA does offer some routes that may serve the area, such as Route 15, but the frequency of these routes is not conducive to regular healthcare appointments. This lack of robust public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive, potentially limiting their healthcare access. ADA-accessible features are available on YCTA buses, offering a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. However, the overall impact of public transportation on the "Overall Health Score" is diminished by its limited availability.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Shrewsbury area, providing an alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services may vary depending on the time of day and demand. Residents should anticipate potential wait times, especially during off-peak hours.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation providers, are also available. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, offering a crucial lifeline for those with mobility limitations or other medical needs.

**Healthcare Access and the "Overall Health Score":**

The "Overall Health Score" for Shrewsbury, PA (ZIP Code 17361) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to hospitals and specialty care in York City is a significant advantage, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation pose challenges.

The score is positively influenced by the relatively short drive times to major healthcare facilities and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. However, the lack of robust public transit, particularly for those who cannot drive, significantly impacts the score.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

* **Proximity to Hospitals:** The close proximity to UPMC Memorial Hospital and WellSpan York Hospital positively impacts the score.
* **Drive Times:** The relatively short drive times to healthcare facilities contribute to a favorable score.
* **Road Infrastructure:** Well-maintained roadways and ease of navigation contribute to a positive score.
* **Public Transit Limitations:** The limited availability of public transportation negatively impacts the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The availability of ride-sharing services provides an alternative but is subject to variability.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability of medical transportation services offers a crucial lifeline for those with mobility limitations.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-accessible features on YCTA buses is a positive factor.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

For individuals considering moving to Shrewsbury, it is crucial to carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should carefully consider the challenges associated with accessing healthcare.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Shrewsbury, PA (ZIP Code 17361) suggests a community with good access to healthcare for those with personal vehicles. However, the limited public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services present challenges for some residents. While the proximity to hospitals and specialty care is a significant advantage, individuals should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements before making a move. The ease of accessing healthcare is a vital factor when considering moving to Shrewsbury.