08527, Jackson, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08527, Jackson, New Jersey is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.95 percent of residents in 08527 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus with a distance of 6.17 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Jackson, NJ (ZIP Code 08527)

Understanding healthcare access is paramount when considering a move, especially to a community like Jackson, New Jersey (ZIP code 08527). This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents, evaluating the ease with which they can reach essential medical services. It considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and analyzes their impact on healthcare access. This score aims to guide prospective residents, offering a comprehensive view of the transportation landscape and its implications for their well-being.

The foundation of healthcare access in Jackson rests heavily on personal vehicles. The township's sprawling nature and limited public transportation options necessitate reliance on cars for most residents. Primary arteries for navigating the area include **Interstate 195 (I-195)**, which provides east-west access, and **New Jersey Route 571**, a north-south thoroughfare. **County Route 527** and **County Route 528** also contribute to local travel, connecting various parts of Jackson and providing routes to neighboring towns where additional medical facilities may exist.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor. The closest urgent care centers and primary care physician offices are typically within a 15-20 minute drive, depending on the specific location within Jackson. However, access to specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often requires travel outside of the immediate township. **CentraState Medical Center** in Freehold Township, approximately a 25-35 minute drive via I-195 or Route 527, is a major regional hospital offering a wide range of services. This drive time can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours, potentially increasing stress and delaying treatment.

Public transportation options are limited in Jackson. The **New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit)** system offers bus service, but routes and frequency are not as extensive as in more urban areas. The **600 bus route** is the primary option, providing service along Route 9 and connecting to neighboring towns like Lakewood and Toms River. This route, while offering a connection to healthcare facilities in these areas, may not be ideal for individuals with mobility limitations, as not all stops are equipped with ADA-compliant features.

The availability of ADA-compliant features is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. While NJ Transit strives to provide accessible services, the reality on the ground can vary. Not all bus stops have ramps or accessible platforms, and the availability of accessible buses is not guaranteed. This can create significant challenges for individuals with mobility impairments, potentially limiting their healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, their availability and cost can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand. While ride-sharing can provide a convenient option for some, it may not be a reliable or affordable solution for regular medical appointments, especially for those on fixed incomes.

Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**, cater specifically to individuals requiring non-emergency medical transport. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained medical personnel. While providing a valuable service, they can be expensive and may require advance booking. This makes them suitable for scheduled appointments but less practical for urgent care needs.

The overall health score for Jackson, NJ (08527) reflects a mixed picture. While the township offers relatively easy access to primary and urgent care via personal vehicles, the reliance on cars creates challenges for those without them. Limited public transportation, the variability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services contribute to a lower score for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to.

The score is further influenced by the distance to specialized medical facilities. While CentraState Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of services, the 25-35 minute drive can be a barrier, especially in emergencies. This necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

For individuals considering moving to Jackson, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate their healthcare access needs. Investigating the availability of accessible transportation options, including ride-sharing and medical transport services, is essential.

The lack of robust public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles can affect the overall health score. This is particularly relevant for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a car. The score reflects a need for improved public transportation infrastructure, including more frequent bus routes and ADA-compliant features, to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.

The community's commitment to healthcare access is vital. This includes supporting initiatives that promote public transportation, advocating for accessible infrastructure, and ensuring the availability of affordable ride-sharing and medical transport services. These efforts are crucial to improve the overall health score and create a healthier community for all residents of Jackson, NJ (08527).

The "Overall Health Score" for Jackson, NJ (08527) is a dynamic assessment. It is subject to change based on infrastructure improvements, changes in public transportation, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Prospective residents should continuously evaluate these factors when making decisions about their healthcare access.