07071, Lyndhurst, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07071, Lyndhurst, New Jersey is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.30 percent of residents in 07071 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hudson Regional Hospital with a distance of 2.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 07071 (Lyndhurst, NJ)

The health of a community is intricately linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis assesses the ease with which residents of ZIP code 07071, encompassing Lyndhurst, New Jersey, can reach medical facilities, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on transportation options. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive view for prospective residents considering moving to Lyndhurst.

Lyndhurst, a vibrant suburban community, benefits from its proximity to New York City and the broader New Jersey metropolitan area. However, this advantage also presents challenges in healthcare access, particularly during peak travel times. The score reflects the reality of navigating the local transportation landscape to ensure timely and convenient medical appointments.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary roadways serving Lyndhurst are the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), Route 3, and the Garden State Parkway. These arteries, while providing efficient access to major hospitals and medical centers, are notorious for congestion, especially during rush hour.

Reaching Hackensack University Medical Center, a major regional hospital, typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey often involves navigating Route 17, a bustling commercial corridor, and the Garden State Parkway. The drive time can easily double during peak commuting hours.

Similarly, accessing hospitals in Newark, such as University Hospital, requires navigating the Turnpike or Route 280, which can take 30-45 minutes, again, heavily influenced by traffic. Smaller, specialized clinics and urgent care facilities within Lyndhurst and neighboring towns like Rutherford and North Arlington are generally accessible within 10-15 minutes, offering more immediate options for minor medical needs.

**Public Transit Options:**

Lyndhurst boasts a relatively robust public transit network, primarily through NJ Transit. The New Jersey Transit bus routes offer a viable alternative to driving, particularly for those without personal vehicles or those seeking to avoid traffic.

Several bus routes, including the 190, 191, and 192, provide direct service to New York City and connect to various hospitals and medical facilities along their routes. These routes, while convenient, can be subject to delays and are often crowded during peak hours.

The accessibility of these bus routes is generally good, with most buses equipped with ramps or lifts for individuals with disabilities, adhering to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. However, navigating the bus system requires careful planning, considering schedules and potential delays.

The lack of direct rail service within Lyndhurst presents a challenge. Residents must travel to nearby stations, such as Secaucus Junction, to access the rail network, which provides faster access to hospitals in Newark and New York City. This adds an extra layer of complexity and travel time.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving and public transit. They are readily available in Lyndhurst and provide door-to-door service, eliminating the need to navigate parking or walk long distances. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical transport services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Companies like CareRide and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services require pre-booking and can be a valuable resource for those unable to utilize other transportation options.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for commute to healthcare in 07071 is moderately positive. While Lyndhurst benefits from its proximity to major medical facilities and a decent public transit system, the reliance on congested roadways and the lack of direct rail service present challenges.

The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Time Variability:** Drive times are significantly impacted by traffic, particularly during rush hour.
* **Public Transit Reliability:** While the bus network is accessible, delays and crowding can be problematic.
* **Ride-Sharing Costs:** The cost of ride-sharing services can be a barrier for some residents.
* **Specialized Transport Availability:** Medical transport services offer crucial support for individuals with disabilities.

**Recommendations:**

* **Strategic Planning:** Residents should plan their medical appointments strategically, considering traffic patterns and public transit schedules.
* **Explore Public Transit:** Utilizing the NJ Transit bus network can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to driving.
* **Utilize Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services offer convenient door-to-door transportation but should be budgeted accordingly.
* **Investigate Medical Transport:** Individuals with mobility limitations should explore specialized medical transport options.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Lyndhurst offers a good quality of life, but prospective residents should carefully consider the transportation landscape when assessing healthcare access. While the community offers a range of options, navigating the roadways and public transit system requires careful planning and awareness of potential delays. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the need for residents to proactively manage their transportation needs to ensure timely and convenient access to healthcare. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides additional support, enhancing the overall accessibility of healthcare for Lyndhurst residents. The ability to navigate the transportation infrastructure is vital for a healthy lifestyle in this thriving community.