07407, Elmwood Park, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07407, Elmwood Park, New Jersey is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.75 percent of residents in 07407 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary's General Hospital with a distance of 3.28 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Elmwood Park (ZIP Code 07407)

Elmwood Park, New Jersey, a vibrant community nestled in Bergen County, offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. However, when considering a move to Elmwood Park, prospective residents must carefully evaluate their healthcare access. This comprehensive assessment delves into the intricacies of transportation options and their impact on the overall health score for residents, particularly concerning their ability to reach essential medical services.

The health score, in this context, is not a numerical value but a qualitative evaluation of the ease and efficiency with which residents can access healthcare facilities. It considers factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. The analysis emphasizes the practical realities of navigating the local transportation landscape to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roadways**

For many Elmwood Park residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The proximity of major roadways significantly influences healthcare access. The Garden State Parkway, a vital north-south artery, provides a direct route to hospitals and medical centers located in neighboring towns. The drive to Hackensack University Medical Center, a major regional hospital, typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Similarly, Route 46, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers access to various medical facilities, including those in Clifton and Little Falls. The drive time along Route 46 can fluctuate considerably, especially during peak hours. Route 80, another critical interstate, is easily accessible. However, the traffic congestion can impede travel.

Smaller local roads, such as River Drive and Market Street, provide alternative routes but are often subject to traffic lights and local congestion. Overall, driving offers flexibility and directness, but residents must factor in potential delays due to traffic, especially during rush hour. This is a crucial consideration when assessing the health score, as timely access to medical care can be life-saving.

**Public Transportation: A Network of Options**

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation plays a crucial role in healthcare access. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides bus services that serve Elmwood Park. Several bus routes connect Elmwood Park to surrounding towns and cities, including Paterson, Hackensack, and New York City.

The 161 bus route, for instance, offers direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, where residents can connect to various healthcare facilities. The 163 and 164 buses provide access to hospitals and medical centers in Hackensack and Paramus. The 703 bus connects to the Clifton area.

While NJ Transit buses provide a valuable service, the frequency of service can vary depending on the route and time of day. Furthermore, accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and designated seating, are available on most buses, ensuring ADA compliance. However, the reliance on bus schedules and potential delays can impact the health score, especially for those requiring urgent medical attention.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Modern Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly popular in Elmwood Park. These services offer a convenient and readily available transportation option, particularly for those without access to a car or who prefer not to drive. The availability of ride-sharing services enhances the health score by providing a flexible and on-demand transportation solution for medical appointments and emergencies.

Beyond ride-sharing, specialized medical transport services cater to individuals with specific needs. These services, such as ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation providers, offer transportation for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical assistance during transit. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot independently travel to healthcare facilities.

**Assessing the Health Score: A Holistic View**

The overall health score for Elmwood Park residents concerning healthcare access is multifaceted. The availability of multiple transportation options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, contributes to a reasonably favorable score. However, several factors impact this assessment.

Traffic congestion on major roadways, particularly during peak hours, can delay travel times, potentially affecting access to urgent medical care. The frequency and reliability of NJ Transit bus services can also influence the health score, especially for those relying on public transportation. The cost of ride-sharing services and specialized medical transport can present a financial barrier for some residents.

Despite these challenges, Elmwood Park's location and transportation infrastructure provide a good foundation for healthcare access. The proximity to major hospitals and medical centers, coupled with the availability of various transportation options, ensures that residents have reasonable access to essential medical services.

**Considering a Move to Elmwood Park: Healthcare as a Factor**

For those considering moving to Elmwood Park, evaluating healthcare access is a critical aspect of the decision-making process. Prospective residents should carefully consider their transportation needs, medical history, and potential healthcare requirements. Understanding the available transportation options, their associated costs, and potential limitations is essential.

The health score, as assessed in this analysis, provides a valuable framework for evaluating healthcare access in Elmwood Park. By considering the various transportation options and their impact on travel times and accessibility, prospective residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and overall well-being. The community, with its blend of suburban and urban qualities, offers a unique environment, but prospective residents must ensure their healthcare needs are adequately addressed.