Allen's extensive recreation network includes 78 miles of hiking and biking trails connecting 200 acres of parks and green spaces. Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm serves as a central gathering spot, featuring upscale shopping and dining amid landscaped grounds that host community events. The Credit Union of Texas Event Center brings concerts and sporting events to the city, while Allen Premium Outlets provides name-brand shopping. Nature lovers frequent Connemara Meadow Preserve for birdwatching and walking trails, and families enjoy Celebration Park's sports fields and sprayground.
The Allen housing market includes a range of options across distinct neighborhoods. The median price for single family homes in Twin Creeks is $699,900, while Watters Crossing commands $655,000, and Central Allen homes list at $425,000. The citywide median sale price sits at $499,500, with median townhome prices at $519,500 and two bedroom condos at $425,000.
Allen maintains a cost of living 5.5% below the national average. A family with school-age children needs an annual income of $101,000 to live comfortably, with monthly expenses averaging $8,000. Renters should aim for $57,000 annually. The property tax rate is 1.66%, matching neighboring Plano, McKinney, and Frisco. While Texas has no state income tax, the combined sales tax rate is 8.20%.
The city's education system includes several highly rated schools. Allen High School serves multiple neighborhoods with an A rating, while Lovejoy High School earned an A+ grade. Private options include Heritage Montessori Academy and Coram Deo Academy, both A-rated institutions. Located 25 miles north of Dallas via U.S. Highway 75, Allen provides a 35 to 45 minute drive to DFW International Airport.
