07432, Midland Park, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07432, Midland Park, New Jersey is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.81 percent of residents in 07432 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Valley Hospital with a distance of 2.35 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Midland Park, NJ (ZIP Code 07432)

This assessment provides an overall health score for residents of Midland Park, New Jersey (ZIP Code 07432), specifically focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services. This score considers various modes of **transportation**, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, evaluating the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities. The goal is to provide prospective residents considering **moving to Midland Park** with a comprehensive understanding of their **healthcare access** options.

The health score is a composite, considering travel time, frequency of service, availability of ADA-compliant options, and the presence of alternative transportation solutions. Each category is weighted based on its impact on overall accessibility. This analysis aims to highlight both strengths and weaknesses in the local transportation infrastructure as it relates to healthcare.

**Driving: The Dominant Mode**

For many Midland Park residents, personal vehicles represent the primary mode of transportation to healthcare appointments. The area's road network, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, impacting travel times. Major thoroughfares like Route 208 and Route 17 serve as critical arteries, connecting Midland Park to larger healthcare hubs. Route 208 offers direct access to the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, a major regional medical center.

Travel times to Valley Hospital, a key destination, typically range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The Garden State Parkway provides an alternative route, though it can add tolls and potentially increase travel time during rush hour. Local roads, including Godwin Avenue and Goffle Road, offer access to smaller clinics and specialist offices within and around Midland Park.

While driving offers flexibility and convenience, it's essential to consider potential delays due to traffic, especially during morning and evening commutes. Parking availability at healthcare facilities is another factor, with some locations experiencing higher demand than others. Therefore, the reliance on personal vehicles, while convenient, necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential travel time fluctuations.

**Public Transit: Limited but Present**

Public transportation options in Midland Park are less extensive than in more urban areas, but they still offer viable alternatives for some residents. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides bus service within the area, connecting Midland Park to neighboring towns and regional transportation hubs.

Several bus routes serve the area, including the 164, 709, and 780. The 164 route, for instance, offers direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, allowing access to a wider range of healthcare facilities in Manhattan. The 709 and 780 routes provide connections to local hospitals and medical offices.

While NJ Transit buses offer a cost-effective option, their frequency and route coverage are limited. Travel times can be significantly longer than driving, particularly for destinations outside the immediate vicinity. ADA-compliant buses are available on most routes, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible bus stops and the overall convenience of public transit may vary.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Supplemental Options**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Midland Park, offering an on-demand transportation alternative. These services can be particularly useful for individuals who do not own a car or prefer not to drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services are typically arranged through healthcare providers or insurance companies. Companies like Liberty Medical Transportation and First Transit often provide NEMT services in the area. The availability and cost of these services depend on individual insurance coverage and medical requirements.

**Healthcare Facilities within Reach**

Midland Park residents have access to a range of healthcare facilities, including primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals. The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood is a major regional medical center, offering comprehensive medical services. Other nearby hospitals include Hackensack University Medical Center and St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson.

Numerous smaller clinics and specialist offices are located within and around Midland Park, providing convenient access to various medical services. These include urgent care centers, dental practices, and physical therapy facilities. The availability of these facilities contributes positively to the overall healthcare accessibility score.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare access. All healthcare facilities in the area are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring physical accessibility. This includes features such as ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces.

However, the accessibility of public transportation and the availability of ADA-compliant ride-sharing options may vary. It's essential for individuals with disabilities to verify the accessibility of specific transportation options and healthcare facilities before making appointments.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

Considering all factors, the overall health score for commute to healthcare in Midland Park (ZIP Code 07432) is moderately high. The area benefits from relatively short drive times to major hospitals and a range of healthcare facilities. The availability of ride-sharing services provides an additional transportation option.

However, the limited public transit options and the potential for traffic congestion during peak hours are drawbacks. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful planning and consideration of travel times. Improvements in public transit frequency and route coverage would enhance healthcare accessibility for all residents.

**Recommendations:**

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Advocate for increased frequency and expanded route coverage of NJ Transit bus services, particularly to key healthcare destinations.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Programs:** Encourage partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted transportation options for patients.
* **Improve Pedestrian Infrastructure:** Enhance sidewalks and crosswalks to facilitate access to healthcare facilities for those who prefer walking or using other forms of mobility.
* **Educate Residents:** Provide clear information about available transportation options, including public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers.

By addressing these areas, Midland Park can further improve its healthcare access and ensure that all residents have convenient and reliable transportation options to meet their medical needs. This is especially important for those **moving to Midland Park** who are considering the area as a place to settle and require dependable **healthcare access**.