23692, Yorktown, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 23692, Yorktown, Virginia is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.21 percent of residents in 23692 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Careplex Hospital with a distance of 8.33 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Yorktown, VA (ZIP Code 23692)

Yorktown, Virginia, a historic locale nestled along the York River, presents a unique tapestry of healthcare access challenges and opportunities. Assessing the overall health score for residents in ZIP code 23692 necessitates a comprehensive examination of transportation options, healthcare facilities, and the intricate interplay between them. This analysis considers the ease with which residents can access vital medical services, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transportation options. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering moving to Yorktown and prioritizing their health.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Yorktown hinges on the efficiency of transportation. For those with personal vehicles, the primary arteries connecting residents to healthcare providers are the major highways. The primary route is **Interstate 64 (I-64)**, a vital east-west corridor that offers relatively swift passage to larger medical centers in Newport News and Williamsburg. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, can significantly impact drive times. **Route 17 (George Washington Memorial Highway)** provides a north-south alternative, but its more frequent traffic lights and slower speed limits mean it can be a less efficient option, especially when traveling to facilities south of Yorktown.

Local roads, such as **Cooke's Road, Victory Boulevard, and Hampton Highway**, serve as crucial connectors, feeding traffic onto the main highways. Their accessibility is a double-edged sword; while they offer convenience for local errands, they are also prone to congestion and can add considerable time to a commute to healthcare appointments. The condition of these roads, including the presence of potholes and inadequate lighting, can further exacerbate travel difficulties, particularly for those with mobility impairments.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the location of the provider and the time of day. For example, a routine check-up at a primary care physician's office within Yorktown might involve a relatively short drive of 10-15 minutes. However, accessing specialized care at a hospital in Newport News, such as Riverside Regional Medical Center, could take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on I-64. Similarly, traveling to Williamsburg's Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center might take 25-40 minutes. These time disparities highlight the importance of strategic planning and consideration of traffic patterns when scheduling medical appointments.

Public transportation, while present, presents some limitations in Yorktown. The primary provider is the **Hampton Roads Transit (HRT)**, offering bus routes that serve the area. However, the frequency of service on some routes is limited, particularly during evenings and weekends. For example, **Route 106** provides service along George Washington Memorial Highway, but its schedule may not align with the needs of those requiring urgent medical attention or appointments outside of standard business hours.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on HRT buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. HRT is committed to providing accessible transportation, and all buses are equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. However, the overall coverage of the bus system in Yorktown is not extensive, which can pose a significant challenge for those living in areas without convenient access to bus stops. This lack of comprehensive public transit coverage can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer an alternative transportation option, especially for those who may not have access to a car or prefer not to drive. The availability of these services in Yorktown is generally good, but prices can fluctuate depending on demand and the time of day. While ride-sharing provides a convenient and often reliable means of transportation, the cost can be a significant factor for individuals with limited financial resources. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing services may be limited in certain areas of Yorktown, particularly during off-peak hours.

Specialized medical transportation services, such as **MedRide** and **CareRide**, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist passengers with mobility challenges. These services are particularly valuable for those who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments, but they often come at a higher cost than standard ride-sharing services. The availability of these specialized services in Yorktown is generally good, but it's crucial to book them in advance, especially for appointments scheduled during peak hours.

The overall health score for transportation and healthcare access in Yorktown, VA (23692) is a mixed bag. While the area benefits from relatively good access to major highways and the availability of ride-sharing services, the limitations of public transit, the potential for traffic congestion, and the cost of specialized medical transportation pose challenges. This intricate interplay between transportation and healthcare access significantly impacts the well-being of Yorktown residents.

For individuals considering moving to Yorktown, it's essential to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transit should research the availability and frequency of bus routes serving their desired residential area. Individuals who require specialized medical care should assess the proximity of healthcare facilities and the ease with which they can be accessed via various transportation modes.

Ultimately, the overall health score in Yorktown is not solely determined by the availability of transportation options. It is also influenced by the quality of healthcare providers, the affordability of medical services, and the overall health of the community. However, the ease with which residents can access medical care is a critical factor in determining their overall well-being. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape in Yorktown is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare access and ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life.