Welcome to Allen
Allen is a growing community that still retains its small-town feel. This city of about 100,000 people was once the watering station for the Houston and Texas Central Railroad formed by Ebenezer Allen. Today, it is a sought-after location for families and young professionals looking for all the perks of small-town life within a half-hour drive to Dallas's urban center.
What to Love
- Top-ranked school system
- Local events and happenings that bring the community together
- Upscale living with small town appeal
Local Lifestyle
Allen has been named the #2 place to live in the United States and topped numerous “best suburbs” lists. This affluent community has seen a lot of growth in recent years, but it still retains its historical charm. It is a city of deep community pride where it seems there’s always something to celebrate. Allen is where the friendly atmosphere of a small town meets the amenities and culture of a big city.
Allen real estate is primarily comprised of single-family houses and most people own their homes. The city is popular among families and professionals alike because of the excellent school system, economic development, and high quality of life.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
Allen locals enjoy a wide variety of upscale dining options and entertainment venues. Allen boasts more than 250 restaurants serving everything from traditional Texas barbeque to authentic cuisine from all over the world. There’s also a plethora of local cafes and coffee shops serving delicious baked goods with an Instagram-worthy ambiance.
Mio Nonno is a cozy neighborhood restaurant serving up some of the area’s best wood-fired pizza and contemporary, healthy dishes using local produce and imported Italian ingredients. Hedary’s serves Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine using vegetables from their onsite garden. Meanwhile, Mexican Cactus Taco Bar uses locally sourced meats to create gourmet versions of regional Mexican dishes. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you won’t get bored eating in Allen.
Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm is a resort-style shopping center and entertainment destination complete with a lush village green and creek. After a day of shopping at name-brand stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques, visitors can dine at one of Watters Creek’s restaurants or relax with a cocktail on the patio. Watters Creek also hosts arts and music festivals, outdoor yoga classes, and beer crawls. A unique feature of Watters Creek is the concierge service, offering bag check, delivery, gift wrapping, complimentary umbrellas when it rains, and more.
The Allen Outlet Mall is another popular shopping destination with 115 designer and brand name stores. Another well-known spot for entertainment is the Credit Union of Texas Event Center (formerly the Allen Event Center). This arena hosts concerts, sporting events, conventions, and more.
'Things to Do
Allen residents can maintain an active lifestyle with dozens of public parks and 6 golf courses.
Those who call Allen home know how to celebrate. Allen USA is the city's annual Independence Day celebration; every 4th of July 80,000 people gather for fireworks, food, drink, and live entertainment. This spectacular event takes place at - where else? - Celebration Park. The Park also draws locals together year-round to enjoy the baseball field, soccer field, playground and sprayground, and tennis courts.
On rainy days, visit the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, an indoor waterpark offering swimming, aquatic fitness classes, and more.
Schools in Allen, TX
Allen is served by the Allen Independent School District, some of the highest-rated public schools in the entire state. Allen’s Gifted and Talented Academy is housed at Vaughan Elementary in the Cottonwood Bend Neighborhood in Allen.
Allen's city pride is especially evident when it comes to high school football; Allen High School’s football team is nationally recognized, and the community takes great joy in rallying behind their hometown team.
