07650, Palisades Park, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07650, Palisades Park, New Jersey is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.48 percent of residents in 07650 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Holy Name Medical Center with a distance of 2.37 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Palisades Park (ZIP Code 07650)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Palisades Park, New Jersey (ZIP code 07650), focusing on the critical factor of transportation to medical facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the ease or difficulty residents face when seeking medical attention, a vital consideration for anyone **moving to Palisades Park** or already residing there.

The **Overall Health Score** is a holistic assessment, considering the availability, affordability, and accessibility of transportation options. It acknowledges that access to healthcare is not merely about the presence of medical facilities but also about the ease with which individuals can reach them. A higher score reflects better access, while a lower score indicates potential challenges. This score is dynamic, subject to change based on infrastructural developments, service improvements, and evolving transportation landscapes.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Palisades Park's location in Bergen County offers both advantages and disadvantages regarding drive times to healthcare. The proximity to major roadways is a boon, yet traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact commute times. The primary arteries for healthcare access are the Palisades Interstate Parkway, the Garden State Parkway, and US Route 46.

Driving to Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, a major regional hospital, typically takes 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic on the Palisades Interstate Parkway. During rush hour, this commute can easily stretch to 30 minutes or more. Hackensack University Medical Center, another significant healthcare provider, is accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Route 46, with drive times averaging 15-25 minutes. Again, traffic conditions can dramatically affect these times.

Smaller clinics and specialized practices within the surrounding towns, such as Fort Lee and Englewood, offer quicker commutes, often within 10-15 minutes. However, the availability of specialized care might necessitate travel to larger hospitals, increasing travel time. The **transportation** infrastructure, while well-developed, is still susceptible to the unpredictable nature of urban traffic, a critical factor in assessing the overall health score.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit provides an alternative for residents without personal vehicles or those seeking to avoid traffic. The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) bus system serves Palisades Park, offering routes to various healthcare facilities. The primary routes servicing the area include the 158, 166, and 186 buses.

The 158 bus, for instance, connects Palisades Park to the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, providing access to Manhattan and, consequently, a wider range of medical facilities. The 166 bus offers direct routes to Hackensack and the surrounding medical centers. The 186 bus connects Palisades Park to Fort Lee and Edgewater, offering access to local clinics and medical offices.

While public transit provides a viable option, it has limitations. Travel times are often longer than driving, and the frequency of buses can vary, particularly during off-peak hours. **Healthcare access** through public transit also hinges on the reliability of the service and the patient's physical condition.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transit systems provide accessible services. NJ Transit buses are equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments. However, the accessibility of individual bus stops can vary. Sidewalk conditions, the presence of curb cuts, and the availability of shelters all impact the ease of access for individuals with disabilities. This is a crucial consideration when evaluating the **transportation** options for all residents.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services are readily available in Palisades Park and can provide door-to-door service to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, offer specialized assistance. Companies like MedTrans and CareRide provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services often require advance booking and may have associated costs, but they offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot utilize other forms of **transportation**.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the 07650 area, offering varying levels of service and specialization. These include:

* **MedTrans:** A national provider offering non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **CareRide:** A regional provider specializing in non-emergency medical transport, focusing on patient comfort and safety.
* **Ambu-Trans:** A local provider offering a range of medical transportation services, including stretcher transport.

The availability of these services enhances the overall health score, particularly for individuals with disabilities or those requiring specialized assistance. However, the cost and availability of these services can impact their overall accessibility.

**Overall Health Score Evaluation:**

Considering all factors, the **Overall Health Score** for **healthcare access** in Palisades Park (ZIP code 07650) is moderately high. The proximity to major roadways offers relatively quick drive times to several healthcare facilities. Public transit provides a viable, though potentially slower, alternative. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer additional options, especially for those with mobility limitations.

However, the score is tempered by several factors. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly increase commute times. The cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation can be a barrier for some residents. The reliance on public transit adds another layer of complexity, requiring consideration of bus schedules and ADA accessibility.

The **Overall Health Score** is a valuable tool for assessing the community's health and well-being. For those **moving to Palisades Park**, understanding these factors is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare access. Continued investment in public transit, traffic management, and affordable transportation options will further improve the **Overall Health Score** and ensure that all residents can easily access the medical care they need.