07728, Freehold, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07728, Freehold, New Jersey is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.63 percent of residents in 07728 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Centrastate Medical Center with a distance of 1.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Freehold, NJ (ZIP Code 07728)

Freehold, New Jersey, a vibrant community nestled in Monmouth County, offers a blend of suburban charm and historical significance. For those considering moving to Freehold, understanding the ease of **healthcare access** is paramount. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 07728, focusing on **transportation** options to medical facilities, including drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing alternatives.

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite metric, factoring in the accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of reaching healthcare providers. It considers the time investment, financial burden, and convenience associated with each **transportation** mode. A higher score indicates better access to healthcare, while a lower score suggests potential challenges.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of **transportation** for healthcare access in Freehold is personal vehicle. The town's central location provides relatively easy access to various medical facilities, though traffic conditions significantly impact drive times.

The primary thoroughfare is Route 9, a major north-south artery. Traveling south on Route 9, residents can reach CentraState Medical Center in approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. This hospital is a critical resource, offering a wide range of services.

The Garden State Parkway, a toll road, provides another option. Accessing the Parkway via Route 537 allows for quicker travel to medical centers further afield, such as those in Red Bank or Long Branch. However, toll costs and potential congestion during peak hours must be considered.

Route 33, another significant east-west route, connects Freehold to surrounding towns and offers access to urgent care facilities and specialist offices. Travel times on Route 33 vary depending on the destination and time of day, typically ranging from 5 to 20 minutes.

Local roads, such as West Main Street and East Main Street, provide access to smaller medical practices and pharmacies within Freehold. These routes are often subject to local traffic, but generally offer convenient access for routine appointments.

**Public Transit Options:**

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides limited public **transportation** options for healthcare access in Freehold. Bus routes are available, but their frequency and coverage are less extensive than in more urban areas.

The primary bus route serving Freehold is the 139, which runs along Route 9. While the 139 connects to major hubs like New York City, its usefulness for local healthcare access is limited due to infrequent stops and potential delays.

The 67 bus route offers a more direct route to some medical facilities in the area, including CentraState Medical Center. However, the schedule may not align with all appointment times, and transfers could be necessary.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on NJ Transit buses is generally good. All buses are equipped with ramps or lifts, and priority seating is available. However, individuals with mobility limitations should confirm specific route accessibility and plan accordingly.

The reliance on public transit for healthcare access in Freehold presents challenges. Limited routes, infrequent service, and potential delays can significantly increase travel times and complicate scheduling.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative **transportation** option, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. Availability in Freehold is generally good, and wait times are typically reasonable.

Ride-sharing provides a convenient and often cost-effective way to reach medical appointments. However, surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can increase costs.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or specific medical needs, are available in Freehold. These services, such as MedStar and Liberty Medical Transportation, offer door-to-door service, often with trained medical personnel.

Medical **transportation** services are generally more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit. However, they provide a valuable service for individuals who require assistance with mobility or medical monitoring during transport.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Freehold (ZIP code 07728) is moderately positive. The availability of personal vehicles, coupled with relatively short drive times to key medical facilities like CentraState Medical Center, contributes to a favorable score.

However, the limited public transit options and potential traffic congestion on major roadways detract from the score. Ride-sharing services offer a viable alternative, but costs and availability can fluctuate.

Medical **transportation** services provide a crucial safety net for those with mobility limitations, but their higher cost limits their accessibility for some.

**Moving to Freehold** requires careful consideration of **healthcare access**. While the town offers good proximity to medical facilities, residents should factor in **transportation** costs, potential delays, and the limitations of public transit when planning their healthcare needs.

**Recommendations:**

* Residents should familiarize themselves with the various **transportation** options available and plan their routes accordingly.
* Consider the location of medical providers when choosing a residence, prioritizing those within easy driving distance or accessible by public transit.
* Utilize ride-sharing services or medical **transportation** when necessary, especially for those with mobility limitations or medical needs.
* Advocate for improved public transit options to enhance healthcare access for all residents.
* Always check the availability and cost of **transportation** services before scheduling medical appointments.
* Explore the availability of telehealth services, which can reduce the need for in-person visits.

By carefully considering these factors, residents of Freehold can effectively navigate the **transportation** landscape and ensure they have convenient and reliable access to the healthcare they need. The "Overall Health Score" can be improved with infrastructure improvements and a greater emphasis on accessible **healthcare access** options.