08248, Strathmere, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08248, Strathmere, New Jersey is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 08248 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Shore Medical Center with a distance of 8.91 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Strathmere (ZIP Code 08248)

Strathmere, a charming barrier island community nestled in the embrace of the Atlantic Ocean and Great Egg Harbor Bay, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to accessing healthcare. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 08248, aims to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" by evaluating the available transportation options, their accessibility, and the overall ease with which residents can reach medical facilities. This is especially relevant for anyone considering moving to Strathmere, as healthcare access is a crucial determinant of well-being.

The foundation of our score lies in understanding the limitations imposed by Strathmere's geography. Being an island, the primary mode of transportation is by car, with limited public transit alternatives. This dependence on personal vehicles significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those without access to a car, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a detailed picture of healthcare access within this idyllic locale.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Road to Wellness**

The primary route connecting Strathmere to the mainland and, consequently, to healthcare facilities, is via the **Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge**, leading onto **County Route 619 (Bay Avenue)**. From there, residents can access the **Garden State Parkway**, a major artery for travel throughout the state. Drive times to medical facilities are heavily influenced by traffic, seasonal fluctuations, and the specific location of the healthcare provider.

For routine check-ups and general medical needs, the closest options are likely to be located in Ocean City, a neighboring town accessible via the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge. The drive, under normal conditions, should take approximately 10-15 minutes. However, during peak summer months, traffic congestion can significantly extend this time, potentially doubling it. This variability directly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those requiring urgent care.

Venturing further inland, the city of Somers Point offers a wider range of medical services, including specialists and urgent care facilities. The drive to Somers Point, via the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge and **Route 52**, typically takes around 20-30 minutes. Again, traffic can play a significant role, especially during the morning and evening commutes. This longer travel time, while manageable, adds to the potential stress and inconvenience associated with healthcare access.

For more specialized care, such as hospital visits or access to advanced medical technologies, residents often need to travel to Atlantic City, approximately a 30-45 minute drive via the Garden State Parkway or **Route 9**. This longer distance, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, necessitates careful planning and consideration, especially for those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent medical attention. This is a critical factor in assessing the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Strathmere and the surrounding areas are limited, presenting a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The **Atlantic City Transportation (ACTrans)** operates bus routes throughout Atlantic County, but service to Strathmere is infrequent and primarily geared towards serving the needs of the tourist population.

While the ACTrans system does offer some accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts on some buses, the limited frequency of service and the lack of direct routes to medical facilities in neighboring towns make it a less-than-ideal option for many residents. The lack of robust public transit severely diminishes the overall health score, particularly for those who are unable to drive or prefer not to. This is a key consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Strathmere.

The closest bus route to Strathmere is the **Route 509**, which runs along **Bay Avenue** in Somers Point. This route provides access to various destinations, including medical offices and hospitals, but requires a transfer and a walk, making it less convenient than direct transportation. The limited reach of public transit further exacerbates the challenges associated with healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Strathmere area, offering a potential alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients with mobility limitations, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **CareRide** and **Liberty Medical Transportation** operate in the area, providing door-to-door transportation for medical appointments. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. While medical transport offers a valuable resource, it comes at a cost, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services does improve the overall health score, offering options for those without personal vehicles. However, the variability in availability and the associated costs must be considered.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Strathmere (ZIP code 08248) is moderately impacted by the island's geographical limitations. While the proximity to Ocean City offers convenient access to general medical care, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges for many residents.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions, with longer travel times required for specialized care. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide alternative transportation options, but their availability and cost must be considered.

The absence of robust public transit significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. The overall health score is further impacted by the seasonal influx of tourists, which can exacerbate traffic congestion and potentially delay access to care.

For individuals considering moving to Strathmere, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. While the community offers a tranquil and desirable lifestyle, the limitations in healthcare access must be carefully weighed. The overall health score reflects the need for proactive planning and consideration of alternative transportation options to ensure seamless and timely access to medical care.