07410, Fair Lawn, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07410, Fair Lawn, New Jersey is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.62 percent of residents in 07410 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Valley Hospital with a distance of 3.34 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Fair Lawn, NJ (07410)

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is crucial when considering a move to a new area. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Fair Lawn, New Jersey (ZIP Code 07410), focusing on the accessibility of medical facilities via various transportation methods. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare accessibility in this vibrant Bergen County community.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a numerical value but a descriptive assessment, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each transportation mode. It acknowledges the multifaceted nature of healthcare access, recognizing that individual needs and preferences vary. Factors like age, mobility, and financial resources influence transportation choices, impacting the overall healthcare experience.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

For many Fair Lawn residents, driving remains the primary mode of transportation. The borough’s location provides convenient access to major roadways. The Garden State Parkway, a significant north-south artery, offers relatively quick access to hospitals and specialist offices located in nearby towns like Paramus and Ridgewood. However, during peak hours, congestion can significantly impact travel times.

Route 208, another critical thoroughfare, facilitates travel to healthcare facilities in Hawthorne and Franklin Lakes. While generally less congested than the Parkway, rush hour can still cause delays. Local roads like River Road and Fair Lawn Avenue provide access to smaller medical practices and urgent care centers within the borough, offering convenience for routine appointments.

The proximity of major hospitals like Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, Hackensack University Medical Center, and St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson influences the overall drive time. The drive to Valley Hospital, a highly-rated facility, is typically within a 15-20 minute range, depending on traffic. Hackensack University Medical Center, a more extensive facility, is accessible within 25-35 minutes, while St. Joseph's is a bit closer, around 15-25 minutes.

**Public Transit Options**

Fair Lawn benefits from a robust public transit system, offering alternatives to driving. New Jersey Transit (NJT) provides bus and train services, connecting residents to healthcare facilities throughout the region. The NJT bus routes that serve Fair Lawn include the 161, 164, and 709, each offering varying degrees of access to medical centers.

The 161 bus route travels along Route 4, providing access to medical offices and hospitals in Paramus. The 164 route offers service to Ridgewood and Hackensack, connecting to Valley Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center. The 709 route provides local service within Fair Lawn and connects to the train station.

Fair Lawn also has its own train station, part of the NJ Transit Main Line. This offers a convenient option for traveling to healthcare facilities located near train stations in neighboring towns and even into New York City, where specialized medical care might be sought.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor in assessing public transit options. NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, with buses equipped with ramps and lifts. Train stations are also being upgraded to improve accessibility, but some older stations may still present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. Planning a trip using the NJ Transit website or app allows users to identify accessible routes and stations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly popular transportation options. They offer on-demand access to healthcare facilities, providing a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. Ride-sharing services are readily available in Fair Lawn, offering a flexible option for those who do not own a car or prefer not to drive.

However, ride-sharing costs can fluctuate depending on demand, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities might vary. It is essential to verify the availability of accessible vehicles when booking a ride.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services provide door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients. Medical transport services are available in the Fair Lawn area, offering a vital lifeline for those who cannot use other transportation options.

Medical transport services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit. However, they provide a critical service for those with specific medical needs, ensuring safe and reliable access to healthcare.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Fair Lawn, NJ (07410), is considered to be relatively good. The borough’s location and transportation infrastructure offer a variety of options, providing residents with choices that can be tailored to their individual needs.

The strengths include the proximity to major roadways, offering relatively quick access to hospitals and medical centers. The availability of NJ Transit bus and train services provides affordable and accessible options. Ride-sharing services offer a convenient and flexible alternative.

However, there are also weaknesses to consider. Rush hour traffic can significantly impact drive times, and public transit can be subject to delays. The cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, and accessibility features on public transit are not always perfect.

Considering the various transportation options, Fair Lawn offers a good level of healthcare access. The borough's location, combined with its public transit system and ride-sharing services, provides residents with choices that can be tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

The "Overall Health Score" for Fair Lawn is favorable, especially for those who can drive or utilize public transit. Residents considering moving to Fair Lawn should carefully evaluate their individual transportation needs and preferences when assessing healthcare access. The availability of diverse transportation options, including ride-sharing and medical transport, further enhances the overall healthcare accessibility in the borough.