Allen is a city in Collin County, Texas, situated about 20 miles from Dallas. The city saw significant growth in the early 2000s. As of 2024, Allen’s population stands at around 104,000 people. The city has a mix of urban and suburban areas, offering residents a balance of city amenities and quieter neighborhoods. Allen is known for its strong education system, with high test scores and graduation rates. The city also boasts many parks, shopping centers, and recreational facilities for residents to enjoy.
Allen’s Downtown Revival
Allen’s city center is poised for a major transformation. The City Council took a big step in January 2023 by changing zoning rules to pave the way for new growth. While the area may not look impressive right now, big changes are coming. Allen has a track record of doing things well, so the future downtown district is likely to be top-notch.
As plans move forward, residents can look forward to new spots to eat and drink. Fresh restaurants and coffee shops will likely pop up, giving people more reasons to spend time downtown. These additions will breathe new life into the heart of Allen, making it a go-to place for locals and visitors alike.
History of Allen
Allen’s roots trace back to the 1840s when settlers first arrived in the area. The town grew slowly at first, with a key development coming in the 1870s as the Houston and Texas Central Railroad laid tracks through the region. This brought new opportunities for growth and commerce.
In 1953, Allen officially became a city with just 400 residents. The town remained small for decades, but saw rapid expansion between 2000 and 2010 when the population nearly doubled.
A notable event in Allen’s past occurred on February 22, 1878, when the first train robbery in Texas took place here. This incident became a part of local lore and Texas history.
Job Market and Economic Landscape
Allen boasts a robust economy, with many residents commuting to nearby cities for work. The town itself offers employment opportunities, with the city government being a major employer. Other big companies in Allen include Experian, Jack Henry & Associates, and Frontier.
The median income in Allen is $112,603, showing a strong earning potential for residents. This high income level is reflected in the housing market, with the median home value at $540,000.
Allen’s proximity to job hubs in Frisco and Plano adds to its appeal for young professionals. The town’s economic stability and high-paying jobs make it an attractive place for families and career-minded individuals alike.
School System
Allen Independent School District
Allen ISD is a top-rated school district in Texas. It has one high school, three middle schools, and sixteen elementary schools. The district gets high marks from education rating websites. It ranks among the best school districts in the state, offering students a quality education.
Lovejoy Independent School District
Lovejoy ISD is another excellent school district serving Allen. It’s smaller than Allen ISD, with about 4,300 students. The district has one high school, two middle schools, and two elementary schools. Like Allen ISD, Lovejoy ISD is highly rated and ranks in the top ten school districts in Texas.
Allen High School
Allen High School is the sole high school in Allen ISD. It’s the biggest high school in Texas, with over 5,000 students. The school boasts strong academic performance. Students score well on college entrance exams, with average SAT scores of 1270 and ACT scores of 28. Allen High School ranks in the top 2% of Texas public high schools for college preparation.
The school is also known for its massive football stadium. Allen Eagle Stadium holds 18,000 people, making it the fourth-largest high school stadium in Texas. Built in 2012, the stadium cost $60 million.
Green Spaces and Recreational Areas
Allen Station Green Space
Allen Station Green Space is the city’s biggest outdoor area, covering nearly 130 acres. It offers a wide range of activities for sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts. The park has baseball diamonds, a BMX course, and paths for walking and cycling. Visitors can also enjoy inline hockey rinks, a skate park, softball fields, and a playground for children.
Family Fun Park
Family Fun Park is a popular spot among Allen residents. This 100-acre green space hosts many events and provides lots of options for sports and family activities. The park features:
- Baseball diamonds
- Basketball courts
- Walking and biking trails
- Soccer fields
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Scenic ponds
This park is also the site of the Allen USA Celebration, a big summer event with music, food, and an impressive fireworks display. It’s one of the top summer gatherings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Allen takes pride in its park system, which includes 50 parks across the city. Most residents can reach a park within a 10-minute walk from their homes. The city keeps working on new projects to make existing parks better and create new ones. This focus on green spaces makes Allen a great place for people who love the outdoors.
Shopping Options
The Village at Allen Shopping Center
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The Village at Allen offers a vast shopping experience with over a million square feet of retail space. This bustling center features more than 150 stores, eateries, and services. Visitors can enjoy popular attractions like TopGolf for entertainment and Cabela’s for outdoor gear. The center also houses well-known brands such as Kirklands and James Avery.
Outlet Mall Destinations
Allen’s premier outlet mall boasts over 120 stores featuring designer and name-brand merchandise at discounted prices. Shoppers can find great deals on fashionable items from Tory Burch, Kate Spade New York, and Michael Kors. Athletic enthusiasts will appreciate the Nike Factory Store and Under Armour outlet. The mall also includes popular brands like Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store.
Watters Creek Shopping Village
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Watters Creek Village presents a unique shopping environment spread across 52 acres. This multi-use center combines retail, dining, and living spaces in a vertical design. Shoppers can enjoy a large village green area with interactive art displays. The center offers various shopping options and restaurants with outdoor seating overlooking water features. It also includes office spaces and residential lofts, creating a diverse community atmosphere.
Hidden Treasures
The Old Rock Barrier
A fascinating piece of Allen’s past sits quietly along a walking trail. Built in 1874, this stone structure once held back water for steam engines. For nearly 60 years, it lay underwater after a bigger dam was constructed. Now visible again, it’s a Texas State Archaeological Landmark.
Visitors can see this slice of history while out for a stroll. It’s a great spot to pause and imagine the trains that once relied on its waters. The old barrier stands as a reminder of Allen’s role in early transport and development.
Go to the Nine-Band Brewing Company
If you enjoy ending the day with a cold beer, be sure to visit the Nine-Band Brewing Company while you’re in Allen, Texas. You can take a factory tour to learn how their beers are made and enjoy beer samples with friends while taking in the great view. One of the best things about this place is that you don’t need to book your tour in advance. For just $15, you get the tour and drink samples. After the tour, you can relax in the spacious taproom while watching the beautiful Allen sunset.
Relax at Celebration Park
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Celebration Park is the newest community park in Allen, offering plenty of areas for relaxation and fun, including baseball fields, barbecue pits, tennis courts, basketball courts, and playgrounds. During the summer, the park features a sprayground where kids and adults can cool off on hot days. If you want to enjoy the lovely Texan weather and have a relaxing but fun day in Allen, Celebration Park is the perfect place to visit.
Take a Historical Tour at the Allen Heritage Village
For a more informative trip to Allen, visit the Allen Heritage Village. Although Allen is a fast-growing city, it still honors its past. The Allen Heritage Village features fascinating old buildings, including outhouses, homes, and a restored church that has been relocated from its original site to the Heritage Village.
Go to the Allen Event Center
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The Allen Event Center is a venue for various concerts, sports, and exhibitions throughout the year. Here, you can enjoy ice hockey games, gun shows, home and garden shows, and even bull riding events. The Allen Event Center offers a full lineup of traditional American events every month.
Residential Areas
Creek-Side Living
This upscale area boasts lovely homes and a top-notch golf course. The golf club is a big draw, with an Arnold Palmer course and great practice spots. Golfers enjoy:
- Full-size driving range
- Sand trap practice area
- Putting and chipping zones
- 3-hole junior course
The club also has:
- Pro shop with top brands
- Restaurant with fresh food
- Event spaces for all sizes
- Expert golf lessons
Starry Neighborhood
This 529-acre spot has big homes built from 2005 to 2015.
- Clubhouse
- Two outdoor pools
- Water play area
- Pool shelter
- Tennis court
- Kids’ playground
The area has two lakes and lots of green space. Fountains add a nice touch. Homes here were built by well-known companies like Highland, Huntington, and Darling.
Both areas are great for families who want nice homes and fun things to do. The golf course is a big plus for one, while the other has more family-focused perks. Each spot offers its own mix of nature and fun activities.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Allen
Allen, Texas offers a mix of benefits and challenges for residents. The city boasts exceptional schools, especially for athletes. Allen High School’s football stadium is a massive structure that holds 18,000 people, reflecting the city’s strong sports culture.
Green spaces are plentiful in Allen. The city’s parks department has won awards for its work in keeping residents close to nature. This focus on outdoor areas adds to the quality of life for many who call Allen home.
Transportation is a plus in Allen. Highway 75 runs through the city, making trips to Dallas easier. For those working in nearby Frisco or Plano, commute times can be short.
Allen’s location puts it near several lakes. Residents can enjoy water activities at Lake Lavon or Lewisville Lake, both within an hour’s drive.
On the flip side, Allen faces some challenges. Home prices are high, with the median at $540,000. This is well above the national average of $410,000, making buying a house tough for some.
New construction has slowed in Allen as the city has grown. While some new homes are being built, large developments are less common than in nearby cities.
The weather in Allen can be extreme. Summer heat often tops 100 degrees in July and August. The area also sees severe thunderstorms at times.
Allen’s distance from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is a drawback for frequent flyers. The 34-mile trip can take 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top schools for athletes | High home prices |
| Great parks system | Slowing new construction |
| Easy highway access | Hot summers |
| Nearby lakes | Thunderstorm risk |
| Short commutes to Frisco/Plano | Far from main airport |
Allen offers a strong community with good schools and outdoor spaces. But high costs and weather issues may give some pause. Each family must weigh these factors based on their own needs and preferences.
