Firstly why Allen, Texas?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Allen
- State: Texas
- Population: 107,623 people
- Allen’s quick summary would be Recognized for its family-friendly communities and the Allen Event Center.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 7,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
- Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
- Number of Homeless people: 300
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features excellent schools and a suburban lifestyle attractive to families
Perk #1: Allen Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 37%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 68%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $65,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Allen is $68,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $3000 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Allen’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,349
- Property Tax %: 2.13%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
- Rent for an average house: $2,200
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Starcreek
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Allen, Fairview, Lucas, McKinney, and probably could include Plano
- Avg. Age of Homes in Allen: 26 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.7%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Allen’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Allen are Retail, Education, and Healthcare
- Allen Job Scene: growing job market centered on education and retail
- The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence primarily engaged in local businesses and services , ,
- Allen Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Allen: 8.25%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 160 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 9
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Allen
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
- Freeway Access: U.S. Route 75 connects Allen to Dallas providing a straight access route
- Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on McDermott Drive
- Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Allen: 11,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.1
- No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Allen: txdmv.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
- Local Airport: Dallas Love Field
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Allen’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
- General Weather in Allen is best described as has hot summers and mild winters with regular precipitation throughout the year
- Winter Weather in Allen i’d describe as mild and dry
- Spring Weather in Allen can be described as warm with rain possible
- Summer’s in Allen are mostly hot and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Allen is usually warm and sunny
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 40 days in summer
- Days in a row in Allen below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely maintained through local regulations
- Allen Winter Air generally good air quality with some urban influences
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Allen Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Allen 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Allens’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Allen Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Allen Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Allen only Doctors is about 25
- Local Hospitals here is 1
- Full-time Allen only Police Officers is about 100
- Crime Rate Index: 30/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Allen’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
- Allen’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
- Allen’s Water Quality Score: 70
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Allen
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: suburb known for its family amenities and local activities
- You might enjoy performances at the Allen Event Center
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Allen has a friendly nightlife with local bars and casual dining options catering to families and friends alike
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Allen
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes diverse dining and a range of local eateries
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 5 scattered around Allen
- The Popular Sports Team is Allen Americans
- Top Level Political Climate in Allen can be described as politically mixed suburb focusing on family-oriented initiatives
- Allen’s Longer standing religious establishment is Living Church of Allen
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Allen Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Allen has 5 Parks?
- Watters Creek Park is Allen’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Allen Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and biking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Allen Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Allen can be described as active suburban environment with strong family-friendly amenities
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Allen hiking trails visiting parks community festivals
- The Cities people commute to from Allen are Fort-Worth 12 miles away Dallas 20 miles away Grand-Prairie 10 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Allen or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic jams on McDermott Drive. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Allen’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Starcreek is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Allen are Fort-Worth 12 miles away Dallas 20 miles away Grand-Prairie 10 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Allen has 0 days in a row below freezing and 40 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Allen people have an average (positive or negative) $3000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
300 homeless people living in Allen. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed suburb focusing on family-oriented initiatives could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Allen.
Retiree & Senior Life in Allen
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy reductions in property taxes helping with overall expenses
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Court at Preston
- Allen Senior Center features diverse activities including arts and crafts and health workshops for seniors
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Allen, Texas?
If Allen, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Allen, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!