07632, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07632, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.01 percent of residents in 07632 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Englewood Hospital And Medical Center with a distance of 1.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Englewood Cliffs, NJ (ZIP Code 07632)

Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, a borough renowned for its affluence and stunning views of the Hudson River, presents a unique landscape for evaluating healthcare access. The community's overall health score is intricately linked to its transportation infrastructure, impacting residents' ability to reach essential medical services. This analysis delves into the complexities of commuting to healthcare within ZIP code 07632, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive perspective for those contemplating moving to Englewood Cliffs.

The primary artery for vehicular travel in and out of Englewood Cliffs is the Palisades Interstate Parkway. This scenic highway, while offering breathtaking views, can be notoriously congested during peak hours. Driving to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns like Englewood, Tenafly, and Fort Lee, the most common destinations for medical care, can range from a swift 5-minute trip to a frustrating 30-minute crawl, depending on traffic conditions. Secondary routes like Sylvan Avenue (County Route 501), and Grand Avenue (County Route 505) provide alternative paths, though they too can become congested, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Healthcare access in Englewood Cliffs is significantly influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles. The limited public transportation options present a challenge for residents without access to a car. The New Jersey Transit (NJT) bus system offers some relief, with routes like the 166, which travels along the Palisades, providing service to Englewood and beyond. However, the frequency of these buses can be infrequent, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, potentially delaying access to urgent care.

The 166 bus route, while offering a vital link, also presents accessibility concerns. While NJT strives to provide ADA-compliant buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the inherent challenges of navigating bus stops, particularly in inclement weather, can still pose difficulties. This is a crucial consideration when evaluating the overall health score and the ease of healthcare access for all residents.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another transportation avenue, providing on-demand access to medical appointments. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier, particularly for those with limited financial resources or frequent medical needs. The availability of drivers in the area is generally good, but surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can further exacerbate affordability concerns.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or specific medical needs, are available in the area. Companies like MedTrans and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services are often arranged through insurance providers or directly by patients, offering a crucial lifeline for those unable to utilize other transportation methods. However, the scheduling process and potential wait times should be factored into the overall assessment.

The proximity of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, is a significant advantage for Englewood Cliffs residents. A relatively short drive, typically 10-15 minutes via the Palisades Interstate Parkway or Sylvan Avenue, provides access to a comprehensive range of medical services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and a wide array of specialists. This proximity significantly boosts the overall health score for the community.

Beyond the hospital, residents have access to a network of outpatient clinics, physician offices, and specialized medical facilities located in surrounding towns. The ability to quickly access these facilities, whether for routine check-ups or specialized care, is a crucial factor in evaluating the overall health score. The ease of commuting to these destinations, influenced by traffic conditions and available transportation options, plays a significant role in the community’s health profile.

The availability of urgent care centers in nearby towns, such as Fort Lee and Tenafly, provides an alternative to the emergency room for less critical medical needs. These centers offer convenient access to immediate medical attention, reducing wait times and potentially alleviating the burden on the hospital's emergency department. The accessibility of these urgent care facilities, considering travel time and transportation options, further contributes to the overall health score.

The demographics of Englewood Cliffs, with its significant elderly population, highlight the importance of accessible healthcare. Seniors often face mobility challenges and may rely on public transportation, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation. The availability and affordability of these services are critical to ensuring that this demographic can access the healthcare they need.

Furthermore, the community’s socioeconomic factors play a role in healthcare access. Residents with limited financial resources may face challenges in affording transportation costs, impacting their ability to attend medical appointments. The availability of subsidized transportation programs or financial assistance for medical transportation can significantly improve the overall health score for this segment of the population.

The overall health score for Englewood Cliffs, regarding access to healthcare, is a nuanced assessment. While the proximity to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center provides a significant advantage, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transportation, and the cost of ride-sharing services present challenges. The availability of medical transportation services offers a vital lifeline for those with mobility limitations, and the presence of urgent care centers provides convenient alternatives.

For those considering moving to Englewood Cliffs, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial. Careful consideration of individual needs, including mobility limitations, financial resources, and reliance on public transportation, is essential. The overall health score, when viewed through the lens of transportation and healthcare access, reveals a community with strengths and weaknesses. While the borough benefits from its proximity to major healthcare providers, residents must navigate the complexities of transportation to ensure timely and affordable access to essential medical services. This dynamic interplay between transportation and healthcare access ultimately shapes the health and well-being of the Englewood Cliffs community.