Living in Allen, TX — Relocation Guide

Collin County, Texas

Living in Allen, TX

Excellent parks, top tier recreation, and established neighborhoods with convenient Metroplex access.

Ask Your Advocate About Allen

Allen at a Glance

County

Collin County

Population

Approx. 110,000+

To Downtown Dallas

Approx. 30–40 min via US-75

To Downtown Fort Worth

Approx. 50–60 min via SH-121

To DFW Airport

Approx. 30–40 min via SH-121

To Love Field

Approx. 35–45 min via US-75

Median Home Price

Approx. $450,000–$600,000 (varies by neighborhood)

Avg. Property Tax Rate

Approx. 1.8–2.1% (varies by location)

Year Incorporated

1953

ZIP Codes

75002, 75013

Welcome to Allen

Allen is one of the most well rounded communities in North Texas. Known for its exceptional parks system, recreation facilities, and established neighborhoods, Allen offers a high quality of life for families and professionals alike. The city has a mature, well developed character most of Allen is built out, which means established trees, stable neighborhoods, and a settled community feel. Allen's location along US-75 provides excellent access to Plano, Richardson, and downtown Dallas, while SH-121 connects to Frisco and DFW Airport.

Housing in Allen

Allen's housing market is primarily established most of the city was developed between the 1980s and 2010s, offering mature neighborhoods with larger trees and settled character. Homes range from starter level properties to executive homes in communities like Twin Creeks and Watters Crossing.

New construction opportunities in Allen are limited compared to Frisco or McKinney, as most of the city is built out. Buyers seeking new construction may find more options in neighboring Frisco or McKinney.

Townhomes and condominiums are available near the Allen Premium Outlets and along major corridors. The diverse housing stock makes Allen accessible to a range of buyers.

Lifestyle in Allen

Allen is known for its exceptional quality of life. The city's investment in parks, recreation, and community facilities is evident throughout. The Allen Premium Outlets and Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm provide extensive shopping and dining options.

The Watters Creek development is a walkable mixed use district with restaurants, retail, and a hotel a popular gathering place for residents. The Allen Farmers Market operates seasonally.

Allen has a strong community culture, with active neighborhood associations, community events, and a well regarded parks and recreation department.

Things to Do

The Allen Event Center hosts concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings. The Allen Americans (ECHL hockey) play at the Allen Event Center. The Allen Premium Outlets draw shoppers from throughout the region.

Celebration Park is a major recreation hub with athletic fields, a natatorium, and community facilities. The city's trail system connects neighborhoods and parks throughout Allen.

Nearby Frisco and McKinney offer additional entertainment options within easy driving distance.

Education

Allen is served by Allen ISD, which is consistently recognized for academic achievement and extracurricular programs. Allen High School is one of the largest high schools in Texas.

For school boundary information and performance data, visit the Allen ISD website at allenisd.org.

Collin College has a campus in McKinney, approximately 15 minutes north. UT Dallas is approximately 20 minutes south in Richardson.

Major Employers

Allen's major employers include Experian, Lennox International, and Allen ISD. The city's location along the US-75 corridor provides access to the broader Telecom Corridor employment base.

Many Allen residents commute to Plano, Richardson, Frisco, and Dallas employment centers. The commute to major employers along the DNT corridor is approximately 20–30 minutes.

Healthcare employment is available at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen and Medical City McKinney.

Transportation and Commuting

US-75 (Central Expressway) is Allen's primary north south artery, providing direct access to Plano, Richardson, and downtown Dallas. Commute times to downtown Dallas are approximately 30–40 minutes.

SH-121 runs east west through the southern portion of Allen, connecting to Frisco and the Dallas North Tollway to the west.

DART's Red Line has a station in Allen (Parker Road station), providing rail access to downtown Dallas and other DART destinations.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Allen's parks system is one of the best in North Texas. Celebration Park is a major recreation hub with athletic fields, a natatorium, and community facilities. The city maintains over 1,000 acres of parkland.

The Allen trail system connects neighborhoods and parks throughout the city. Bethany Lakes Park and Molsen Farm Park are popular community gathering spaces.

The Allen Natatorium is a competitive swimming facility that hosts regional swim meets.

Annual Events

Allen hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. The Allen USA Celebration on July 4th is one of the largest Independence Day events in North Texas.

The Allen Farmers Market, holiday events, and community festivals reflect the city's strong community culture. The Allen Event Center hosts concerts and events year round.

Homeownership in Allen

Allen homeowners benefit from a stable, established market with consistent demand. The city's mature character and strong school district support long term property values.

Utility providers include Oncor Electric Delivery (electricity), Atmos Energy (natural gas), and the City of Allen (water/wastewater). Internet service is available from AT&T, Spectrum, and other providers.

Collin County offers a homestead exemption. Contact the Collin Central Appraisal District (collincad.org) for details.

Utilities and Services

Everything you need to set up before your move date in Allen.

Internet Providers

Common providers in Allen. Availability varies by address. Always verify before committing.

ProviderTypeCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T FiberFiber800-288-2020Visit site
SpectrumCable833-949-0036Visit site
Frontier FiberFiber800-921-8101Visit site
T-Mobile Home Internet5G Wireless800-937-8997Visit site
Verizon 5G Home5G Wireless800-922-0204Visit site

Electricity

Deregulated market choose your provider at PowerToChoose.org

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
TXU Energy800-818-6132Visit site
Reliant Energy866-222-7100Visit site
Direct Energy866-968-8065Visit site
Gexa Energy866-961-9399Visit site
Green Mountain Energy866-785-4668Visit site
Rhythm Energy888-774-9846Visit site

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy serves most of North Texas. Set up service at least one to two weeks before your move date.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Atmos Energy888-286-6700Visit site
CoServ Gas940-321-7800Visit site

Water and Sewer

Water service in Allen is provided by the city or a Municipal Utility District (MUD) depending on your development.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
City of Allen Utilities214-509-4111Visit site

Trash and Recycling

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Republic Services (City contract)800-299-4898Visit site

Home Security

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
ADT800-238-2727Visit site
Vivint800-216-5232Visit site
Brinks Home800-447-9239Visit site
SimpliSafe800-548-0526Visit site

Mobile Phone Providers

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T800-331-0500Visit site
Verizon800-922-0204Visit site
T-Mobile800-937-8997Visit site

TV and Streaming

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
DIRECTV800-531-5000Visit site
Spectrum TV833-949-0036Visit site
YouTube TVOnline supportVisit site
Hulu + Live TVOnline supportVisit site
Sling TVOnline supportVisit site

Postal Services

ServiceContactWebsite
USPS Customer Service800-275-8777Visit site
Change of AddressOnlineVisit site
Hold MailOnlineVisit site

Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration

ServiceContactWebsite
TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License)512-424-2600Visit site
TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Registration)888-368-4689Visit site

Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Allen a good place to live?

Allen consistently ranks among the best places to live in Texas, known for its parks, schools, and community quality of life.

What school district serves Allen?

Allen is served by Allen ISD.

Is there new construction in Allen?

Allen is largely built out. New construction opportunities are limited buyers seeking new homes may find more options in Frisco or McKinney.

Does Allen have public transportation?

Yes DART's Red Line has a station in Allen (Parker Road), providing rail access to downtown Dallas.

Thinking About Moving to Allen?

Nichelle Boyland is a DFW REALTOR® who specializes in helping buyers find the right community. Get personalized guidance, no pressure, just answers.

Get in Touch