32073, Orange Park, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 32073, Orange Park, Florida is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.29 percent of residents in 32073 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Orange Park Hospital with a distance of 1.73 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 32073

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Orange Park, Florida (ZIP code 32073) requires a nuanced understanding of their ability to access healthcare. This involves analyzing the accessibility of medical facilities, including drive times, public transportation options, and the availability of alternative transportation methods. Transportation significantly impacts healthcare access, and understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone considering moving to Orange Park or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare journey.

Orange Park, nestled in Clay County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While the area benefits from proximity to Jacksonville, the sprawling nature of the region necessitates a careful examination of transportation options. The health score is not solely determined by the presence of medical facilities but also by the ease with which residents can reach them.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for vehicular transportation in 32073 are US-17 (Roosevelt Boulevard), Blanding Boulevard, and the lesser-traveled but vital Kingsley Avenue. Depending on the destination within the Jacksonville metropolitan area, drive times can vary considerably. For example, a trip to the Mayo Clinic, located off of San Pablo Road, could take upwards of 45 minutes during peak traffic hours. The same trip during off-peak times may be completed in under 30 minutes.

Accessing Baptist Medical Center South, located off of Old St. Augustine Road, is another common healthcare destination. This journey typically involves navigating Blanding Boulevard and the I-295 beltway. Travel times here can also fluctuate significantly, potentially exceeding an hour during rush hour.

Closer to home, Orange Park Medical Center, located right in the heart of Orange Park, is the most accessible facility. However, even this proximity can be affected by traffic congestion on Blanding Boulevard, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times.

**Public Transit Realities:**

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) provides public transportation services to the area, but its reach within Orange Park and surrounding areas is limited. The primary bus routes serving 32073 are the routes that run along Blanding Boulevard. These routes, while offering a cost-effective alternative to driving, often suffer from infrequent service and lengthy travel times.

The JTA’s bus system is designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Buses are equipped with ramps and lifts to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments. However, the infrequency of service and the potential for long wait times can still pose challenges for those requiring accessible transportation. Furthermore, the lack of extensive route coverage means that residents may have to walk considerable distances to reach a bus stop or transfer between routes, adding to the overall travel time and potentially impacting healthcare access.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Options:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to public transportation and driving. These services provide on-demand transportation, allowing residents to book a ride directly from their location to their healthcare provider. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Several medical transport companies also operate in the area. These companies specialize in providing transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. They often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers to assist patients with their transportation needs. The cost of medical transport can vary depending on the distance traveled and the level of assistance required.

**Medical Facility Landscape:**

Orange Park benefits from a variety of healthcare providers, including Orange Park Medical Center, a full-service hospital. Several urgent care clinics and specialty practices are also located within the ZIP code. This proximity to healthcare facilities is a positive factor in the overall health score. However, the accessibility of these facilities is still heavily reliant on the transportation options available.

Beyond Orange Park, residents have access to a broader range of healthcare services in Jacksonville. This includes major hospitals like Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, UF Health Jacksonville, and the Mayo Clinic. However, the distance to these facilities and the reliance on transportation can present significant challenges.

**Factors Influencing the Health Score:**

Several factors contribute to the overall health score for healthcare access in 32073. These include the availability of transportation options, the distance to healthcare facilities, the cost of transportation, and the physical limitations of individuals. The health score is also influenced by the efficiency of the transportation system and the ease with which residents can navigate the system.

The overall health score is not simply a numerical value but a complex assessment of the ability of residents to access the healthcare they need. It considers the practical realities of commuting to healthcare, including traffic congestion, public transit limitations, and the cost of alternative transportation methods.

**Implications for Moving to Orange Park:**

For individuals considering moving to Orange Park, the transportation landscape is a crucial factor to consider. While the area offers a desirable quality of life, the accessibility of healthcare should be carefully evaluated. Prospective residents should consider their reliance on transportation, the availability of public transit, and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transport.

Individuals with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions should pay particular attention to the accessibility of transportation options. They should also research the availability of medical transport services and the proximity of healthcare facilities to their potential residence.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the overall health score for healthcare access in 32073 requires a comprehensive understanding of the transportation dynamics at play. While Orange Park offers a range of healthcare providers, the accessibility of these facilities is heavily dependent on the availability and efficiency of transportation options. Drive times, public transit limitations, and the cost of alternative transportation methods all contribute to the overall health score.

Moving to Orange Park presents a unique opportunity to balance quality of life with healthcare access. By carefully evaluating the transportation landscape and considering individual needs, residents can optimize their healthcare journey and ensure they have access to the medical services they require. The health score is not a static measure but a dynamic assessment that reflects the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access for all residents of Orange Park.