07856, Mount Arlington, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07856, Mount Arlington, New Jersey is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.03 percent of residents in 07856 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Clare's Hospital/ Denville Campus with a distance of 9.28 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Mount Arlington (ZIP Code 07856)

Evaluating healthcare access within a community provides a crucial lens through which to understand its overall health and well-being. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape of Mount Arlington, New Jersey (ZIP code 07856), specifically examining the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach vital medical services. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, culminating in an overall health score reflecting the accessibility of healthcare for those residing in this Morris County community.

Mount Arlington, a charming borough nestled in the heart of New Jersey, presents a unique challenge when it comes to healthcare access. While the borough itself offers some limited medical facilities, residents often need to venture outside its borders to access a wider range of specialized care. The primary factor influencing healthcare accessibility here is **transportation**.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

The most common mode of transportation for Mount Arlington residents seeking healthcare is undoubtedly driving. The borough is strategically positioned near major roadways, providing relatively straightforward access to medical centers in neighboring towns. The primary arteries facilitating this movement are Interstate 80 (I-80) and Route 80, the major east-west thoroughfare, and Route 46, which provides access to medical facilities to the east.

For residents needing to travel east towards Dover or Denville, Route 80 provides a direct and generally efficient route. However, peak traffic hours can significantly impact travel times, particularly during the morning and evening commutes. Heading west on I-80 offers access to medical facilities in Hackettstown and beyond, though this route also experiences congestion during rush hour. The drive to Morristown Medical Center, a major regional hospital, typically involves utilizing Route 80 to Route 287, which can take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Within Mount Arlington, local roads like Howard Boulevard and Lakeside Avenue provide access to local businesses and residential areas. These roads connect to the main arteries, but their narrow lanes and potential for congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times can contribute to delays. The ability to navigate these roads efficiently is critical for quick access to urgent care facilities or pharmacies.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Mount Arlington are, unfortunately, limited. The primary mode of public transit is the New Jersey Transit (NJT) bus system. Route 875 provides service to and from Dover, connecting with the Morris & Essex Line train, which offers access to New York City and other points east. This is the main public transit option for **healthcare access**. However, the bus service frequency is limited, and the travel time to reach medical facilities via public transit can be significantly longer than driving.

The NJT bus system in this area does provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transit system. However, the limited routes and infrequent schedules can still pose challenges for those with mobility limitations. The train option is better, but requires a bus to get to the station.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Mount Arlington, offering a convenient alternative to driving, especially for those who do not own a vehicle or prefer not to drive. These services can be particularly useful for short trips to local medical offices or for those unable to drive due to medical conditions. However, ride-sharing costs can be a factor, especially for frequent appointments or longer distances.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, cater to individuals with specific medical needs. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities. They offer a vital service for those who cannot drive or utilize public transit.

**Overall Health Score and Implications for Moving to Mount Arlington**

Considering the factors discussed above, the overall health score for healthcare access in Mount Arlington (ZIP code 07856) is moderately positive. While the borough benefits from its proximity to major roadways, offering relatively easy access to medical facilities by car, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles create potential barriers for some residents.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options mitigates some of these challenges, but the costs associated with these services can be a concern for some individuals. The efficiency of **transportation** is a key factor.

For those considering **moving to Mount Arlington**, this assessment highlights the importance of evaluating their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Individuals who rely heavily on public transit or have mobility limitations may find healthcare access more challenging. Prospective residents should carefully consider the location of medical facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the potential costs associated with accessing healthcare services.

The relatively easy access to major roadways, offering quick travel to medical facilities, provides a significant advantage. However, the limited public transit options and the potential for traffic congestion during peak hours should also be taken into account.

**Conclusion**

Mount Arlington offers a good quality of life, but healthcare access requires careful consideration. The overall health score reflects a community with decent healthcare access, but with room for improvement in public transit and affordability of alternative **transportation** options. Residents can be well-served by the healthcare available, but must be prepared for the logistical challenges of getting there.