19060, Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 19060, Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.85 percent of residents in 19060 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riddle Memorial Hospital with a distance of 5.90 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 19060

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In ZIP Code 19060, encompassing Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access reveals a nuanced picture, significantly shaped by the available **transportation** options. This "Overall Health Score" considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport to paint a detailed portrait of the challenges and opportunities residents face when seeking medical care. This is critical information for anyone **moving to Garnet Valley**, as it directly impacts their well-being.

The foundation of healthcare access in 19060 is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. Driving remains the dominant mode of **transportation**, dictating the ease with which residents reach medical facilities. For residents in the heart of Garnet Valley, the primary arteries are the scenic but often congested routes of Smithbridge Road, Concord Road, and Bethel Road. These roads lead to key healthcare hubs, including Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, a vital regional hospital. Drive times to Crozer-Chester can fluctuate dramatically. During peak hours, the journey can stretch to 25-30 minutes, a significant burden when facing a medical emergency or simply needing a routine check-up. Outside of rush hour, the trip becomes more manageable, clocking in at around 15-20 minutes.

Further afield, access to specialized care often necessitates venturing onto major highways. Reaching hospitals in Philadelphia, such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania or Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, requires navigating Interstate 95 (I-95). This can be a daunting prospect. The notoriously busy I-95 corridor is prone to heavy traffic, particularly during weekday commutes. The journey to Center City Philadelphia can easily consume an hour or more, adding considerable stress and time to the process of seeking medical attention. Similarly, access to hospitals in Delaware, such as ChristianaCare, involves navigating the Delaware Expressway (I-95) and can take upwards of 30 minutes, depending on the location within Delaware.

Public transit offers an alternative, albeit with its own set of limitations. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides bus service in the area, primarily operating along major roads. Routes like the 114 and 117 buses offer connections to key destinations, including the Concordville Town Center and the Media/Elwyn Regional Rail Line. However, the bus routes are not always direct to hospitals, often requiring transfers and extending travel times. For example, a trip to Crozer-Chester Medical Center using public transit could easily take an hour or longer, significantly longer than a drive.

Furthermore, the frequency of bus service, especially during evenings and weekends, is limited, creating a barrier for those needing care outside of standard business hours. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is generally good, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the system. However, the overall efficiency and convenience of public transit in this area remain a challenge, especially for those with mobility limitations or urgent medical needs. The reliance on bus routes makes it challenging for many residents to access healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide another layer of **transportation** options. They offer on-demand rides, eliminating the need to own a car or rely solely on public transit. The convenience of ride-sharing is undeniable. However, the cost can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The price of a ride to a hospital, especially during peak hours or for longer distances, can quickly add up, creating a financial burden for some residents.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients with mobility limitations or medical conditions, are available in the area. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical **transportation** to and from medical appointments. These services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or use public transit. However, these services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and may require prior scheduling, which is not ideal in urgent situations.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 19060 is therefore a mixed bag. While the proximity to Philadelphia and Delaware hospitals provides access to a wide range of medical specialties, the **transportation** challenges are real. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limitations of public transit and the expense of ride-sharing and medical transport, creates barriers for many residents.

For individuals **moving to Garnet Valley**, understanding these **transportation** nuances is crucial. Consider the location of your residence within the ZIP code, your access to a personal vehicle, and your budget for **transportation** costs. Research the availability of public transit options and the frequency of service. Explore the possibility of ride-sharing or medical transport services, and factor these costs into your overall healthcare budget.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" in 19060 highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to improving healthcare access. This could involve advocating for increased public transit frequency, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer discounted fares for medical appointments, and supporting programs that provide financial assistance for medical **transportation**. By addressing these challenges, the community can create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all its residents, thereby enhancing the overall health and well-being of the community. This is a crucial consideration for those **moving to Garnet Valley**.