07003, Bloomfield, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07003, Bloomfield, New Jersey is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.50 percent of residents in 07003 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hackensackumc Mountainside with a distance of 0.26 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Bloomfield, NJ (ZIP Code 07003)

Bloomfield, New Jersey, a vibrant township in Essex County, offers a compelling blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. However, the ease with which residents can access essential healthcare services is a crucial factor in their overall well-being. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 07003, analyzing the available options for reaching medical facilities and providing an "Overall Health Score" based on this accessibility. For those considering **moving to Bloomfield**, understanding these nuances is vital.

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite metric considering drive times, public transit reliability, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport options. The score will range from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of accessibility and 1 representing the lowest. This analysis acknowledges that **healthcare access** is a multifaceted issue, and transportation is a significant component.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in Bloomfield are the Garden State Parkway, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Route 3. These major roadways, while offering efficient connections to regional healthcare hubs, can also be subject to heavy traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The time it takes to reach a medical appointment can significantly impact a patient’s experience.

For residents within Bloomfield itself, local roads like Broad Street, Bloomfield Avenue, and Franklin Street provide access to various medical practices, urgent care centers, and pharmacies. However, these roads can experience bottlenecks, especially near the Bloomfield Center train station and other high-traffic areas. Driving times to hospitals like Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville or Saint Michael's Medical Center in Newark can vary significantly based on the time of day and traffic conditions.

During off-peak hours, a drive to Clara Maass Medical Center, located approximately 3 miles away, might take 10-15 minutes. However, during rush hour, this commute could easily stretch to 30 minutes or longer, especially if navigating the congested Route 7. Reaching Saint Michael's Medical Center, located about 6 miles away in Newark, would typically require 20-30 minutes during off-peak times. During peak hours, this drive could easily exceed 45 minutes, especially considering the potential for delays on the Garden State Parkway or Route 280.

**Public Transit Options:**

Bloomfield benefits from a robust public transportation network, primarily through NJ Transit. The Bloomfield train station, located in the heart of the township, provides direct access to New York City via the Montclair-Boonton Line. While this line primarily serves commuters, it also offers a convenient option for accessing healthcare facilities in Manhattan, such as New York-Presbyterian Hospital or Mount Sinai Hospital.

Several NJ Transit bus routes serve Bloomfield, including the 11, 28, 71, and 94 lines. These buses connect Bloomfield to surrounding towns and cities, including Newark, Montclair, and Clifton. The 11 and 71 lines are particularly useful for reaching healthcare facilities in Newark, while the 28 line offers connections to hospitals in Montclair.

The accessibility of public transit is enhanced by the presence of accessible features, such as ramps, elevators, and audio-visual announcements, on many buses and trains. NJ Transit strives to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines to ensure that individuals with disabilities can utilize their services. However, the frequency of service, especially during off-peak hours, can be a limiting factor for some residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Bloomfield, providing an on-demand transportation option for accessing healthcare facilities. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, especially for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive due to medical conditions. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Companies like Logisticare and ModivCare often contract with insurance providers to offer transportation to and from medical appointments. These services can be invaluable for those who cannot utilize public transit or ride-sharing.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

Considering the various transportation options available in Bloomfield, the "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in ZIP code 07003 is **7 out of 10**. This score reflects the presence of multiple transportation choices, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

The score is slightly reduced due to potential traffic congestion during peak hours, the cost of ride-sharing, and the limited frequency of some public transit routes during off-peak times. However, the overall accessibility to healthcare facilities, the presence of accessible public transit features, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport options contribute to a relatively high score.

For individuals **moving to Bloomfield**, the availability of transportation options is a significant advantage. The ability to choose between driving, public transit, and ride-sharing provides flexibility and ensures that residents can access the healthcare services they need. The presence of medical transport services further enhances accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. The township's commitment to public transit and its proximity to major roadways contribute to the positive overall health score.