Living in Allen, Texas
Allen
Outlet shopping, an Arnold Palmer golf course and 80 miles of trails.
What it's like
The short version
Allen sits in southwestern Collin County along U.S. 75, about 23 miles north of downtown Dallas. Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek and The Village at Allen anchor its shopping, and 53 parks cover about 1,864 acres.
What's for sale
Homes sold at a median near $493,000 in September 2026.
What it does well
Strong here
- Shopping●●●
More than 5 million square feet of shopping, led by Allen Premium Outlets. - Parks and trails●●●
53 parks on about 1,864 acres, with more than 80 miles of trails. - Golf●●●
The Courses at Watters Creek run 33 holes across three courses, and The Golf Club at Twin Creeks is an Arnold Palmer design. - Restaurants●●○
Choices run from Vaqueros Texas BBQ to Andreas Prime Steaks and Seafood, plus the mix at Watters Creek. - Established neighborhoods●●○
Founded as a railroad town in 1870 and incorporated in 1953. - Luxury homes●●○
Redfin puts the median sale price near $493,000.
The honest part
What to know first
- Allen is not a DART member, and the city has no fixed-route bus or rail.
- Walk Score rates the city 35, so most errands take a car.
Not its strength: walkable, transit options, quiet, small-town pace, vibrant, big-city energy, a real downtown, nightlife, lake days.
Not rated yet: land and acreage, horses welcome, new construction. That means I haven't confirmed it either way, not that it isn't here.
Get outside
- Allen Station Park
125 acres with an aquatics center, The Edge skate park and hiking and biking trails. - Celebration Park
97 acres with a splash pad and playground. - Twin Creeks Park
A park with rock climbing features. - Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve
Birdwatching and wildlife viewing. - Watters Trail South
A $1.1 million trail extension starting near Watters Creek.
Eat and drink
- Vaqueros Texas BBQ
Ribs, brisket and other grilled dishes. - Andreas Prime Steaks and Seafood
Fine dining. - Roman Cucina
Italian comfort food. - Kelly's Craft Tavern
Craft beer and pub fare.
Shop and errands
- Allen Premium Outlets
Discount name brands, including designer retailers. - Watters Creek Village
Shops and restaurants, from chains to local spots. - The Village at Allen
Shopping mixed with dining.
On the calendar
- Credit Union of Texas Event Center
A 7,500-seat city arena with Allen Americans hockey, conventions and live music.
What's coming
- Revitalizing the historic downtown is a stated city priority.
Taxes
2025 combined rate per $100 with Allen ISD: city 0.415400, Collin County 0.149343, Collin College 0.081220, Allen ISD 1.125800. Homestead not applied. Tarrant Regional Water District is not included.
Plano ISD at 1.039550, McKinney ISD at 1.104300 and Lovejoy ISD also serve parts of the city, so the rate depends on the address.
School facts
- Allen ISD: TEA rating A, 2025-26
Take it with you
Want this on paper?
Get the printable Allen report sent to your email.
Sources
- 2025 NCTCOG Population Estimates
- Redfin: Allen Housing Market
- 2025 DFW Tax Rates, Republic Title
- Community Impact: Collin County property tax rates for FY 2025-26
- Community Impact: Allen ISD earns A accountability rating
- Wikipedia: Allen, Texas
- Islands: Allen, Texas
- Visit Allen: Golf Courses
- Walk Score: Allen
- NBC DFW: City of Allen aims to revitalize historic downtown
- Community Impact: Watters Trail South now open in Allen