34957, Jensen Beach, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 34957, Jensen Beach, Florida is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.42 percent of residents in 34957 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital with a distance of 2.78 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 34957 (Jensen Beach, FL)

Considering a move to the charming coastal community of Jensen Beach, Florida (ZIP Code 34957)? Beyond the allure of sun-drenched beaches and a relaxed lifestyle, it's crucial to assess your access to healthcare. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, evaluating the transportation landscape and its impact on your ability to reach medical services. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access in this vibrant area.

The "Overall Health Score" considers factors like travel time, mode of transport, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and the availability of various healthcare providers. A higher score reflects greater ease of access to medical care, while a lower score indicates potential challenges. This assessment will help you make an informed decision about your relocation, particularly if healthcare access is a priority.

**Driving: The Dominant Mode of Transportation**

In Jensen Beach, personal vehicles reign supreme for healthcare commutes. The primary arteries for navigating the area are **US-1**, **Jensen Beach Boulevard**, and **NE Indian River Drive**. These roads connect residents to essential medical facilities and specialist offices.

Drive times to major healthcare providers in the area vary. **Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital** in Stuart, a significant regional healthcare provider, is approximately a 15-25 minute drive from most parts of Jensen Beach, depending on traffic conditions. **Martin Health System's Tradition Hospital** in Port St. Lucie, another major healthcare provider, is about a 30-45 minute drive.

Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact these drive times. Weekday mornings and afternoons often experience increased traffic volume on US-1 and Jensen Beach Boulevard. Therefore, factoring in extra travel time is essential, especially when attending appointments or in urgent medical situations.

**Public Transportation: Limited but Present**

Public transportation options in Jensen Beach are limited, which impacts the "Overall Health Score." The **Martin County Transit System (MCTS)** provides bus services, offering a potential alternative to driving. However, the routes and schedules may not always align perfectly with healthcare appointments.

MCTS Route 1 operates along US-1, providing access to some medical facilities, including the Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. Route 2 serves the area around Jensen Beach Boulevard, offering access to various medical offices. However, the frequency of these routes can be limited, and the travel times can be considerably longer than driving.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor in public transportation. MCTS buses are equipped with features like ramps or lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of the system may still pose challenges for some individuals.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Jensen Beach, providing another transportation option, particularly for those who do not drive or prefer not to. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. Several companies serve the Jensen Beach area, including **Care Ride**, **American Medical Response (AMR)**, and local ambulance services. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel.

Medical transportation services are particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport. However, these services can be costly, and advance booking is often required.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Jensen Beach: A Holistic View**

Evaluating healthcare access is a critical consideration when moving to Jensen Beach. While the area offers a pleasant lifestyle, the "Overall Health Score" is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare commutes. The limited public transportation options and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can pose challenges for some residents.

The proximity of major healthcare providers like Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital and Martin Health System's Tradition Hospital is a significant advantage. However, the drive times and traffic conditions must be considered.

When planning your move, carefully assess your individual healthcare needs and transportation preferences. If you rely on public transportation, consider the limitations of the MCTS system. If you have mobility limitations, research the availability and cost of medical transportation services.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Jensen Beach (34957) is moderate. While the area offers access to quality healthcare providers, the transportation infrastructure presents some challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the cost of alternative transportation services can impact the ease of access to healthcare.

For individuals who drive and are comfortable with the commute times, healthcare access is generally good. However, those who rely on public transportation or require specialized medical transportation should carefully consider the limitations and costs associated with these options.

Ultimately, a successful move to Jensen Beach involves a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape and a proactive approach to planning your transportation needs. This will help you ensure that your healthcare access aligns with your individual circumstances and contributes to your overall well-being in this beautiful coastal community.