Allen is part of Collin County in Texas and was named after Ebenezer Allen, who used to be a politician of the state and a railroad promoter. The area first gained nationwide attention for dubious reasons — it was the location of the first train robbery committed in the state of Texas.

Development of the town was slow. Starting at the turn of the Century until after World War II, Allen was a small town. The population remained at just a few hundred even when it was incorporated into a city in 1953. It wasn’t until the construction of the Fort Worth International Airport and US Route 75 when development really exploded.

By July 2018 the population of Allen ballooned to 100,000 residents according to the US Census Bureau.

Allen is an affluent area where the average household pulls in an annual income of $102,000. For comparison, the average in the US is just around $54,000 a year. It’s also a good time to move to the city considering that its job rate has been steadily rising. In 2018, for instance, the job market expanded by 3.3%. In fact, in the previous three years, the job rate in the city increased by 14%. Ihe unemployment rate in the city, meanwhile, is lower than the US average.

The economy is dominated by manufacturing and industry, health care and social services, education, retail, and professional services, which contribute more than 50% of all the jobs.

There are three independent public school districts in the city–Allen, Lovejoy, and Plano–each with a ranked school which helps ensure that your child will get a good education. There are about 100 schools serving Pre-K through High School in Allen.

After High School your children won’t have to travel far for their higher education. There are six universities all located within a 35-mile radius and these are Collin College, National American University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Woman’s University, and Southern Methodist University.

What to Do in Allen

During the year, many people will find themselves converging at the Arena, a 7,000-seat event center, which opened in 2009. The arena hosts sporting events, concerts, exhibits, trade shows, and school recitals. It contributes about $12 million to the city’s economy from the more than 300,000 visitors it accommodates every year.

If you like golf, the Courses at Watters Creek have been converted into a practice venue after undergoing an $8-million renovation. While golfers can still enjoy the 18-hole course, there are additions like a practice driving range, a 6-hole course for the family, and a 9-hole course for students of the game. Instructors are also available to lend a helping hand.

There are plenty of parks in Allen where people enjoy exercising, parents bond with their kids, students hang with their peers, and employees loiter around to de-stress. The Regional Park is popular among the youth considering that it has its own BMX track, skateboarding park, and wakeboarding facilities.

The Celebration Park is where kids go swimming on its splash pad. There’s also a big playground, as well as soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, a biking trail, and a fishing pond. You can bring your own food if you like and sit at the multiple picnic tables. You can also buy meals and snacks from several fast food joints and restaurants in and around the park.

During April, May, and June, the Concerts by the Creek are held at the Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm. The event has become a showcase for local bands to strut their stuff.

If you would like a change of pace or want to cool off, you can visit the Community Ice Rink along East Stacy Road.

If you are a history buff, Allen Heritage Village may be the place for you. This is where you will find the oldest houses in Allen, along with a church that is well-preserved. The Allen Christian Church was renovated by the city in 2003 and today still holds the distinction of having the most beautiful stained glass windows in North Texas.

Allen, TX Real Estate

Allen has 10 neighborhoods. People who have the means typically choose Forest Grove/Wetsel. Here the average price of homes is $430,000, which is more expensive than most neighborhoods in Texas, but it’s a very nice place to live.

Over the years, Allen really boomed. But there’s a downside to progress and that means real estate is also getting more expensive. Since 1997, when the average cost of construction was $155,000, the area has seen exponential growth over the years.
.

Today, the median listing price already hovers around the $420,000 range and a median cost of $142 per square feet. If you are looking to rent, the average rent is $2,000 for a home.

Property here is in high demand and the prices here don’t prevent people from buying their own home here. That is a testament to how attractive Allen is for long term residence. In fact, houses here don’t stay on the market for long and a property is generally scooped up a few weeks after it’s listed.

One reason many families have settled here is because of the good school districts. This gives a young family a chance to have their kids attend good schools in good neighborhoods.

Despite the progress, Allen has retained that small town charm. You don’t see the attitude of “every man for himself” that is common in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami. Here, people look out for their neighbors and want to keep their neighborhood safe. It’s easy to make friends and get comfortable in Allen. It’s just that kind of town.

Buying a real estate is really an investment and you need a good realtor to help you find the right house for you and your family. You are not just buying a house, but a lifestyle. And the city offers plenty of conveniences, attractions, entertainment, schools, and opportunities for your family to grow and thrive.