07866, Rockaway, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 07866, Rockaway, New Jersey is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.98 percent of residents in 07866 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Clare's Hospital/ Denville Campus with a distance of 3.06 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Rockaway, NJ (ZIP Code 07866)

Assessing the overall health of a community necessitates a deep dive into the intricate web of factors influencing well-being. For residents of Rockaway, New Jersey (ZIP Code 07866), a critical component of this assessment lies in evaluating **healthcare access**, specifically the ease and efficiency of **transportation** to medical facilities. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" by analyzing the available **transportation** options, considering factors like drive times, public transit accessibility, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. This information is particularly valuable for individuals and families **moving to Rockaway**, ensuring they can readily access the healthcare they need.

The primary mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare in Rockaway is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. Rockaway's layout and the dispersed nature of healthcare providers necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles for many residents. The major arteries facilitating this access include Interstate 80 (I-80), a crucial east-west route, and Route 46, a significant commercial corridor. These highways, while providing efficient travel, are often subject to traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. Delays can significantly impact **healthcare access**, particularly for those requiring urgent care or scheduled appointments with specific time windows.

Driving times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and the time of day. For instance, a trip to St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, a major regional healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes via I-80 East, assuming moderate traffic. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily extend to 30-40 minutes, impacting appointment adherence and potentially exacerbating health concerns. Similarly, accessing Morristown Medical Center, a more comprehensive facility, involves a longer drive, generally around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on I-80 East and Route 287 South.

Beyond these larger hospitals, numerous smaller clinics, specialist offices, and urgent care centers are scattered throughout the surrounding towns. Accessing these facilities often involves navigating local roads like Green Pond Road, Mount Hope Road, and East Dewey Avenue. While these routes offer more direct access, they can also be subject to traffic lights, stop signs, and local congestion, adding to the overall travel time. The efficiency of this **transportation** network directly influences the "Overall Health Score" by affecting the timeliness and convenience of accessing medical services.

Public transit offers an alternative **transportation** option, though its availability and accessibility are limited within Rockaway itself. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides bus service in the area, offering routes that connect Rockaway with neighboring towns and potentially to larger healthcare hubs. Route 70 provides service along Route 46, connecting to Dover and other nearby communities. Route 75 also serves the area, providing connectivity to Morristown and other locations.

However, the frequency of these bus routes can be a significant barrier. Service may be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends, restricting access for those with appointments outside of standard business hours. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features, such as ramps and designated seating, is crucial for individuals with disabilities. While NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, the practical implementation and reliability of these features can vary, influencing the overall accessibility of public transit for all residents.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another layer of **transportation** options. These services provide on-demand access to **transportation**, potentially mitigating some of the challenges associated with driving or public transit. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can fluctuate based on demand, time of day, and driver availability. In a less densely populated area like Rockaway, wait times for ride-sharing services might be longer than in more urban centers, impacting the timeliness of healthcare appointments.

Specialized medical **transportation** services cater to individuals with specific needs. Companies like MedTrans and various local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are particularly valuable for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize public transit due to physical limitations. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly, potentially creating a financial barrier to **healthcare access** for some residents.

The "Overall Health Score" for Rockaway, NJ (07866) is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While the proximity to major highways like I-80 and Route 46 offers relatively efficient access to healthcare facilities for those with personal vehicles, the potential for traffic congestion remains a concern. Public transit, while available, presents limitations in terms of frequency, accessibility, and coverage. Ride-sharing services provide an alternative, but their availability and cost can vary. Medical **transportation** services offer specialized support but come with associated costs.

For individuals and families **moving to Rockaway**, a thorough understanding of these **transportation** dynamics is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully consider their individual needs and circumstances when evaluating **healthcare access**. Factors such as age, mobility, health conditions, and financial resources will all influence the ease and convenience of accessing medical care.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Rockaway, NJ (07866) is moderate. While the area benefits from access to major highways and a network of healthcare providers, challenges remain in terms of traffic congestion, limited public transit options, and the cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services. A comprehensive evaluation of these factors is essential for residents and those considering **moving to Rockaway**, ensuring they can effectively navigate the **transportation** landscape and access the healthcare they need to maintain their well-being.