05408, Burlington, Vermont Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 05408, Burlington, Vermont is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.75 percent of residents in 05408 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Univ. Of Vermont - Fletcher Allen Health Care with a distance of 3.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 05408

This analysis assesses the ease of accessing healthcare within Burlington, Vermont (ZIP Code 05408), considering various transportation options. It provides an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the accessibility of medical facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Burlington, as it directly impacts healthcare access and overall well-being.

The score will be presented without a numerical value, instead offering a qualitative assessment: "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor." This approach emphasizes the nuanced realities of healthcare access, acknowledging that individual needs and circumstances vary. The assessment considers the primary healthcare facilities serving the 05408 area, including the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) complex, various urgent care clinics, and specialized medical offices.

**Drive Time and Road Network:**

The primary arteries for vehicular transportation within Burlington are the Interstate 89 (I-89) and the U.S. Route 2 (US-2). I-89 provides swift north-south access, while US-2 offers a more direct east-west route. Local roads, such as Shelburne Road, Williston Road, and North Avenue, feed into these major thoroughfares. Drive times to healthcare facilities within 05408 are generally favorable, especially during off-peak hours.

However, traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour, can significantly impact drive times. The UVMMC complex, a major healthcare hub, is situated near the junction of I-89 and US-2, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city. Expect drive times to UVMMC to range from 5-15 minutes during non-peak hours, potentially increasing to 20-30 minutes during peak congestion.

**Public Transit: A Mixed Bag:**

The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) system provides public transportation within Burlington and the surrounding areas. Several bus routes serve the 05408 ZIP code, offering varying degrees of access to healthcare facilities. Route 1, for example, travels along Shelburne Road, providing direct access to UVMMC and other medical offices. Route 7, running along North Avenue, also serves UVMMC and various clinics.

The GMT system is generally reliable, but service frequency can be a limiting factor, especially during evenings and weekends. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of GMT buses is a significant positive, offering ramps and other accommodations for individuals with mobility challenges. However, navigating the system to reach specific medical appointments may require careful planning, considering transfer times and potential delays.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Burlington. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying solely on public transit. However, ride-sharing fares can be expensive, particularly during peak demand. The availability of these services may also be limited during off-peak hours or in certain areas.

Specialized medical transport services cater to individuals who require assistance with transportation due to medical conditions. These services, such as Burlington Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) and private ambulance companies, provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. The cost of these services can be substantial, and prior arrangements are often required.

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

Considering all factors, the "Overall Health Score" for commute to healthcare in ZIP Code 05408 is "Good." The presence of a major medical center, UVMMC, and a network of clinics provides a strong foundation for healthcare access. The road network, while subject to congestion, generally facilitates reasonable drive times. The GMT public transit system offers a viable alternative, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle.

However, the "Good" score is tempered by certain limitations. Traffic congestion can impact drive times, and public transit frequency may be a barrier for some. Ride-sharing costs can be a deterrent, and specialized medical transport services can be expensive. These factors highlight the importance of individual circumstances and careful planning when considering healthcare access in Burlington.

**Factors for Consideration:**

When evaluating healthcare access, consider the following:

* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** The closer you live to a medical facility, the easier it is to access care.
* **Transportation options:** Assess your ability to drive, use public transit, or rely on ride-sharing services.
* **Appointment scheduling:** Plan your appointments to minimize travel time and avoid peak traffic.
* **Medical needs:** Individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations may require specialized transportation services.
* **Cost:** Factor in the cost of transportation, including gas, public transit fares, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport services.

**Conclusion:**

Burlington, Vermont (05408) offers a generally favorable environment for accessing healthcare. The combination of a robust road network, a functioning public transit system, and the availability of ride-sharing services provides multiple avenues for reaching medical facilities. While challenges exist, such as traffic congestion and limited public transit frequency, the overall healthcare access is commendable. Prospective residents, particularly those considering moving to Burlington, should carefully evaluate their individual needs and circumstances to determine the most suitable transportation options for their healthcare requirements.