"What's with the fascination with the Echelon?" - 30 Seconds to Mars
Echelon is a census designated city (CDC) that is actually part of Voorhees, but since it's such a separatist little town, it refused to merge with Voorhees and decided instead to become its own entity. This city is situated north of Stratford, south of Ashland, east of Summerdale and west of Voorhees Township. Some of the more notable amenities this city has to offer are Kirkwood Forest, Echelon Lake and the Voorhees town center.
Echelon: A Dream Oasis
Echelon is a doctor's dream oasis filled with multiple job opportunities and large homes, but little ole' you is welcome if you still want to move here. If you do, most of the residential areas to find apartments are to the south of the downtown area and in the east end.
These properties are highly accessible by Interstate 30 and South Burnt Mill Road, which runs through the city to neighboring town such as Magnolia, Voorhees Township and Berlin Township. According to CNN's "Money" magazine, Echelon ranked as one of the top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States. Some say they earned this spot because of the amenities, others say it's all in the location, but most say it's a combination of great weather and lovely scenery. Although it does get nippy during the winter, spring and fall are very pleasant. During the summer, the temperature is well above 80 and into the 90s.
In order to move to Echelon, you need to bring a few things with you, such as a doctor's degree and a highly sophisticated vocabulary, so sophisticated, in fact, that no one should be able to understand you. Just kidding! Actually, what you really need are all the general documents required by these apartments for rent, such as references, bank statements, contact details of your past landlord (if you lived in your last place for less than six months, you'll need the contact details of the landlord before that too), your deposit and application fee, and a pretty decent credit score. It's really hard to move into an apartment with a subprime credit score here, so if your credit rating is less than satisfactory, you might need a co-signer or guarantor to secure your apartment.
Apartments in the area are mainly located near Voorhees Township and are available all year-round, so you can move any time you like. Most of the apartment buildings are two or three stories and contain one and two-bedroom apartments. There aren't many three-bedroom apartments in the area, although an apartment search may turn up a few. Some of the amenities that you're likely to find at properties in this area are air conditioning, free basic cable and fitness centers. Since there are so many parks in the area, many of these apartments are also pet-friendly.
The Neighborhoods
Believe it or not, there aren't any real neighborhoods within Echelon. Since this is a census designated place, it's actually part of a larger township. Don't be so disappointed in that you can't find the most favorable part of the area and claim it as your own, be happy instead that there are some pretty cool things to do in every part of Echelon. Although, if you want the luxury of traveling to other areas, give Voorhees a try.
Voorhees: Residents of Echelon often travel to Voorhees to skate at Flyers Skate Zone or to patronize one of many shopping centers. Those who are looking for a bit of socializing make their way into Irish- and British-style pubs in the area. Of course, the lakes are in very close proximity to the pubs, so you can look forward to some pretty fresh fish and chips. If they aren't fresh, march up to the counter, slam the fish down and in the best British accent that you can muster up say, "And just what on Earth is this monstrosity?" If you're looking to make this impression a lasting one, try your Gordon Ramsey accent, although we wouldn't advise the swearing in public part. It is a pub after all.
Residents also travel to this area to get their international feast on. There are plenty of restaurants in Echelon, but they're not as exclusive as the ones located in Voorhees. Some of the most notable restaurants in Voorhees are Chez Elena Wu, Coriander Indian Bistro, Los Amigos Restaurant and China House. There's also a pretty good soul food restaurant to the south called Mama D's Soul Food. This restaurant is known for its finger-licking jerk chicken and homemade jerk sauce, but you can only eat here if you're a jerk.
Just What is an Echelon Anyway?
Well, it ain't no Princeton, said everybody, but it's still a pretty good place to live. Echelon, New Jersey, is located in the ever-popular Voorhees Township. As you know, Voorhees was the psychopathic murderer depicted in many of the early '90s horror films. However, this city is most likely not named after him, which is quite reassuring.
What's Around?
Because of its close proximity to multiple lakes, you can find a variety of fresh and local seafood restaurants here -- you might even find Nemo! Many of the seafood restaurants are located right off of Echelon Road in the town center. The area just east of Echelon, bordering Voorhees Township, is the tune-up town for humans (medical central). This area is full of medical facilities and private clinics that specialize in neurology, dentistry and dialysis. Strangely enough, there is an Olive Garden and Pizzeria located right next to the dialysis clinic. Coincidence? We think not.
You Mean There's More Stuff to Do?
Although the large number of medical clinics and fast-food restaurants in the area may have you a little concerned, there are also many parks. Some of these parks are near the medical centers (strategically placed as reminders not to end up there).
You Mean There's More Stuff than Stuff!
If you travel north into the city, you'll find a Sears Outlet, a few bakeries and even more medical centers. (Are you seeing the theme now?) However, Echelon doesn't want to be known just for its hospitals; it wants to be known for something bigger, something better, something even more magnificent than the most popular hospital in the world -- Walmart. They had to add a Walmart here to elevate their status a little, but it isn't just your normal, run-of-the-mill Walmart -- it's a Super Walmart. Once you make a few trips to Walmart, and you'd like additional entertainment, catch a movie at the local Cinemark 16, located just west of Cooper River. This area has lots of amenities, including LA Fitness and the North White Horse Pike.
