07014, Clifton, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07014, Clifton, New Jersey is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.68 percent of residents in 07014 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary's General Hospital with a distance of 1.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Clifton, NJ (ZIP Code 07014)

Considering a move to Clifton, New Jersey (ZIP Code 07014)? Evaluating the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount. This comprehensive analysis assesses the "Overall Health Score" by examining the available transportation options to medical facilities, weighing factors like travel time, accessibility, and service availability. This information is crucial for making an informed decision about your health and well-being in your new home.

The "Overall Health Score" for 07014 reflects a mixed bag. Clifton, a vibrant city in Passaic County, benefits from its proximity to New York City and a network of roadways, yet public transportation presents certain challenges. Ride-sharing services offer convenience, while medical transport caters to specific needs. Each mode of **transportation** impacts the overall score, influencing the ease with which residents can reach vital **healthcare access** points.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape:**

The most common mode of **transportation** in Clifton is the personal vehicle. Several major roadways facilitate access to hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices. The Garden State Parkway, a major north-south artery, provides quick access to facilities in neighboring towns like Montclair and Bloomfield. The commute to Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, for instance, typically takes 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Route 46, a heavily trafficked east-west thoroughfare, offers direct routes to facilities in neighboring towns. However, congestion during peak hours can significantly increase travel times. The drive to St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, a major regional hospital, via Route 46 and Route 20, can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, again depending on traffic flow.

Local roads like Allwood Road and Broad Street also play a crucial role, providing access to smaller clinics, doctor's offices, and pharmacies within Clifton itself. These routes are generally less congested, offering quicker access to local medical services. The availability of parking at these facilities also influences the overall experience.

**Navigating Public Transportation:**

Public **transportation** in Clifton, primarily through NJ Transit, offers an alternative to driving. Several bus routes serve the area, providing connections to hospitals and medical centers. The 190 bus, for example, travels along Clifton Avenue, providing access to local medical offices and connecting to the Clifton train station. The 709 bus offers a direct route to St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson.

However, public **transportation** has limitations. Bus schedules can be infrequent, especially during evenings and weekends. Travel times are often longer than driving, as buses make multiple stops. While NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, including ADA-compliant buses, navigating the system can be challenging for individuals with mobility impairments. The walk from bus stops to medical facilities can also be a factor, particularly for those with limited mobility.

The Clifton train station, part of the Montclair-Boonton Line, provides another option. This line connects to Newark Penn Station, offering access to a wider range of medical facilities. However, the train requires a transfer to a bus or other mode of **transportation** to reach many hospitals and clinics.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, provide a convenient alternative to driving or public **transportation**. They offer on-demand **transportation** to medical appointments, eliminating the need to navigate traffic or worry about parking. However, ride-sharing costs can be significant, especially during peak hours or for longer distances.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedTrans and American Medical Response, cater to individuals with specific needs, including those requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles or stretcher services. These services often require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. However, they provide a vital service for individuals who cannot use other modes of **transportation**.

**Specific Healthcare Facilities and Travel Times:**

The "Overall Health Score" also considers the proximity and accessibility of specific healthcare facilities.

* **St. Mary's General Hospital (Passaic):** Located a short drive away, this hospital is easily accessible via Route 46 or the Garden State Parkway. Drive times typically range from 10-20 minutes. Public **transportation** options include the 190 and 709 buses.

* **St. Joseph's University Medical Center (Paterson):** While a major regional hospital, access can be impacted by traffic on Route 46. Drive times range from 20-40 minutes. The 709 bus provides direct service.

* **Mountainside Medical Center (Montclair):** Accessible via the Garden State Parkway, this hospital is generally a 15-25-minute drive.

* **Local Clinics and Doctor's Offices:** Clifton itself boasts a variety of clinics and doctor's offices, accessible by car, bus, or ride-sharing. Walkability is a factor for some residents, depending on their location within the city.

**Accessibility Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" incorporates factors related to accessibility. Are facilities ADA-compliant? Do public **transportation** options offer accessible features? Are ride-sharing services readily available with accessible vehicles? The availability of accessible **transportation** is crucial for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in 07014 is moderately positive. The area benefits from a network of roadways and the availability of ride-sharing services. However, public **transportation** presents challenges, and traffic congestion can impact travel times. The score is further influenced by the proximity and accessibility of specific healthcare facilities.

**Factors impacting the score:**

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** Clifton's proximity to various medical facilities in surrounding towns is a positive factor.
* **Roadway Infrastructure:** The well-maintained roadway infrastructure facilitates access to healthcare.
* **Public Transportation Limitations:** Infrequent bus schedules and longer travel times negatively impact the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The availability of ride-sharing services offers a convenient alternative.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-compliant **transportation** and facilities enhances the score for individuals with disabilities.
* **Traffic Congestion:** Traffic on major roadways can increase travel times, impacting the score.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision About Moving to Clifton**

When considering **moving to Clifton**, understanding the nuances of **transportation** to **healthcare access** is essential. The "Overall Health Score" provides a framework for evaluating these factors. While driving offers convenience, public **transportation** presents challenges. Ride-sharing services offer flexibility, while medical **transportation** caters to specific needs. The "Overall Health Score" for Clifton, NJ, reflects a balanced assessment. Residents have access to healthcare, but the ease of access depends on the mode of **transportation** and the specific medical needs of the individual. This information empowers potential residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being when considering a move to Clifton.