Living in Allen, TX: The Pros and Cons

If you're thinking about moving to Allen, there's more to consider than just the homes.

Allen sits along the US-75 corridor in Collin County, just north of Plano and close to Fairview and McKinney. You'll find established neighborhoods, newer construction, plenty of shopping and dining, parks and trails, and a community where Friday night football is definitely a thing.

Allen has a mix of established neighborhoods and newer development, giving you a little bit of both old and new.

So let's talk about what it's actually like to live in Allen.

Pro: A Good Mix of Established and Newer Homes

You'll find a good mix of housing in Allen.

There are established neighborhoods with mature trees and homes built across several decades, along with newer neighborhoods and new construction, which gives you choices depending on whether you prefer the character of an established area or something newer with a more current floor plan.

New construction is still happening in Allen, although you won't find the sheer amount of it that you'll see as you travel farther north into some of the newer-growth communities.

And because Allen has developed over time, different parts of the city can feel different. That's one reason I wouldn't choose an area based solely on a map or a home that looks good online.

Pro: Shopping, Dining and Plenty to Do

You won't have to go far to find shopping, restaurants and things to do in Allen.

Watters Creek Village combines restaurants, shopping and outdoor spaces, and its seasonal Concerts by the Creek bring live music to the Village Green during different parts of the year.

Then there's Allen Premium Outlets, which draws shoppers from well beyond Allen, along with plenty of additional restaurants and retail along the US-75 corridor.

Allen continues to add newer destinations as well. Sloan Corners, near US-75 and 121, is bringing additional parks, trails, restaurants, retail and other amenities to the area.

So although Allen is suburban, you don't necessarily have to head into Dallas every time you want something to do.

Pro: Parks, Trails and Outdoor Space

Allen has plenty of parks, trails and outdoor space.

Celebration Park is one of the city's larger parks, with sports fields, trails, playground areas and open space. Allen also has an extensive network of trails throughout the city.

And newer areas are adding to that. Bravo Park at Sloan Corners is one of Allen's newer outdoor destinations, with pickleball and other outdoor recreation.

That's part of the lifestyle side of Allen that you don't necessarily see when you're simply scrolling through homes online.

And Then There's Football

This is Texas. We gotta talk about football. 🏈

High school football is a big deal here, and Allen Eagle Stadium is a pretty good introduction to Friday Night Lights, Texas-style.

Allen's football program has won five state championships, which tells you a little something about how seriously football is taken around here.

And the stadium itself is the kind of facility that can surprise someone relocating from another part of the country. You may look at it and wonder whether you've accidentally wandered onto a college campus.

Football obviously isn't going to determine whether you buy a house in Allen, but it's part of the community culture and one of those things that gives Allen some personality.

Pro: Schools

Schools are one of the things many buyers research when considering a move to Allen.

Most of Allen is served by Allen ISD, but school assignments depend on the property. Boundaries and assignments can change, so it's important to verify current information directly with the district rather than relying on a listing description or assuming a particular home feeds to a certain campus.

Something to Consider: Your Commute

Allen's primary north-south route is US-75. Allen is also close to 121, particularly on the north side of the city.

But don't let the number of miles fool you.

Look at the actual route between a home and the places you'll regularly need to go, and research typical travel times during the hours you'll normally be traveling. Where you live within Allen can make a difference in your everyday routine.

And if you're moving here from somewhere else, here's your first little bit of local vocabulary: if someone tells you to “take Central,” they're talking about US-75.

Welcome to Texas. 😂

Con: Public Transportation Is Limited

If regular public transportation is important to you, this is something to consider.

Allen isn't part of the DART system, so it doesn't have the rail and regular DART bus service you'll find in Plano and some cities closer to Dallas.

For most people living in Allen, a car is going to be the primary way of getting around.

Something Else to Know: Your Neighbors Are Close

And by neighbors, I mean other cities. 😂

Allen sits right next to Fairview and McKinney. In some areas, you can drive just a few minutes and find yourself in another city.

That means even more shopping, dining and entertainment are nearby. But if you're researching something you see in the area, don't be surprised if you discover it's technically in Fairview or McKinney.

Is Living in Allen, TX Right for You?

Allen offers a nice combination of established neighborhoods and continued growth.

You've got older neighborhoods with mature trees, newer homes and development, parks and trails, plenty of shopping and dining, access to US-75, and a community with its own traditions and personality.

The right part of Allen depends on the type of home you want, where you need to go regularly and how you want to spend your time when you're not at home.

Want to see what's currently available? Browse homes for sale in Allen.

If you're thinking about moving to Allen, I'd be happy to help you sort through the options and find the area that feels right for your next home.

Give me a call or text at 214-842-6001.