08750, Sea Girt, New Jersey Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 08750, Sea Girt, New Jersey is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.39 percent of residents in 08750 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jersey Shore University Medical Center with a distance of 5.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 08750 (Sea Girt, NJ)

The overall health of a community hinges on numerous factors, but one crucial element is **healthcare access**. This analysis delves into the ease with which residents of ZIP Code 08750, encompassing the charming coastal town of Sea Girt, New Jersey, can reach essential medical services. We'll examine the transportation landscape, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport alternatives, to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for this vital aspect of community well-being. This information will prove useful for anyone **moving to Sea Girt**, ensuring informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Sea Girt, with its picturesque beaches and close-knit community, offers a desirable lifestyle. However, assessing the practicality of accessing healthcare is paramount. The geographical location of Sea Girt, nestled along the Jersey Shore, influences the available **transportation** options and, consequently, the ease of reaching medical facilities. The score reflects the efficiency, affordability, and accessibility of these options.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Sea Girt residents is personal vehicles. The efficiency of this method depends heavily on traffic conditions and the distance to healthcare providers. The primary arteries serving the area are the Garden State Parkway, providing north-south access, and Route 35, a crucial coastal thoroughfare.

For routine medical appointments, residents can find general practitioners and specialists in nearby towns like Manasquan and Spring Lake. These destinations are typically accessible within a 10- to 20-minute drive, assuming moderate traffic. The roads, including Ocean Avenue, are generally well-maintained, but summer traffic can significantly increase travel times, especially during peak hours and weekends.

More specialized care, such as hospitals or advanced medical centers, often necessitates travel further afield. Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, a major regional hospital, is approximately a 30- to 45-minute drive via the Garden State Parkway or Route 35, depending on traffic. This journey can be considerably longer during peak travel times, potentially impacting the timely access to urgent care.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

While personal vehicles dominate transportation, public transit offers an alternative, albeit with limitations. New Jersey Transit (NJT) provides bus service in the area, with routes connecting Sea Girt to neighboring towns and regional hubs. The primary bus route serving Sea Girt is the 830, which runs along Route 35, offering connections to other routes and destinations.

However, the frequency of bus service, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, can be limited. This constraint can pose challenges for those requiring regular medical appointments or those without access to a car. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant buses, equipped with features for individuals with disabilities, is a critical factor in assessing accessibility. NJT strives to provide accessible services, but the reliability of these features and the overall convenience of bus travel should be carefully considered.

The nearest train station is in Manasquan, offering access to the North Jersey Coast Line. This provides a more direct route to larger medical centers and hospitals in northern New Jersey and New York City. However, reaching the train station from Sea Girt necessitates a short drive or a connection via the 830 bus, adding to the overall travel time.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in the Sea Girt area. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, especially for those unable to drive or who prefer not to. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services are also available, specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Companies such as American Medical Response (AMR) and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often involve stretcher transport, wheelchair assistance, and trained personnel to ensure safe and comfortable travel to and from medical appointments.

The availability and responsiveness of these medical transport services are crucial for individuals with disabilities or those requiring specialized care. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance, level of care required, and insurance coverage.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Sea Girt (ZIP Code 08750) presents a nuanced picture. While the area benefits from its proximity to healthcare providers and the availability of ride-sharing services, challenges exist concerning public transit frequency and the potential for traffic delays.

The score is influenced by the following:

* **Drive Time:** Generally favorable for routine appointments, but can be impacted by traffic for specialized care.
* **Public Transit:** Limited frequency and route coverage, potentially impacting accessibility.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Convenient but can be costly for frequent use.
* **Medical Transport:** Available for those with mobility limitations, but cost and insurance coverage are factors.

The overall score suggests that residents of Sea Girt generally have good **healthcare access**, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic delays necessitate careful planning. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides crucial alternatives for those with specific needs. For individuals **moving to Sea Girt**, understanding these transportation dynamics is essential to ensure seamless access to healthcare services and to promote overall well-being within the community.