About Allen
About Allen The town of Allen is a friendly community that offers its residents access to exceptional schools and an excellent parks and recreation program. The remarkable community is also home to almost 200 restaurants, four top-quality shopping destinations, a 7,000 seat entertainment facility, and an award-winning golf course. The dazzling array of attractions and activities offered throughout Allen are sure to ignite enthusiasm in those of all ages and interests.
Allen's History
During the 1840's, droves of pioneers made their way westward towards the Allen area for the promise of free land. Land grants were given to many of the town's earliest settlers as part of the land grants that were issued by the Texas Emigration & Land Company. The area grew slowly at first; many of the town's earliest settlers endured hardships while adjusting to the peculiarities of the Texas soil.
The township of Allen originally developed along a line of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, built in 1872. With the addition of the railroad, Allen and the surrounding area grew considerably. In 1918, the railroad built a depot in Allen's business district, further adding to the prosperity of the up-and-coming town.
During Allen's long history, the town has endured hardship and triumph. But, Allen has always preserved with the backing of its strong and enduring community support. It was not until 1953 that the town of Allen was officially incorporated. Since that time Allen has substantially grown its infrastructure to support a growing community and a rich quality of life. Today, Allen is one of the most well-regarded communities in Texas. The prosperous Texas community can clearly see a bright future within its horizon.
Life In Allen
Accolades
- 2015 Healthiest Housing Markets
- 2015 Best Cities for First-Time Home Buyers
- 2015 SafeWise Safest Cities in Texas
- 2015 CQ Press City Crime Rankings
- 2014 ApartmentList.com Best Cities for Young Families
- 2014 Nerd Wallet Best Places for Young Families
- 2014 D Magazine Best Suburbs
- 2014 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Award National Finalists
- 2014 WalletHub Best Cities for First-Time Home Buyers
Arts And Culture
The lively town of Allen strongly mbraces its arts and culture. The town recognizes the importance of entertainment, arts and culture and their added benefits towards creating an excellent quality of life for all its citizens. The town is known for supporting programs to enhance the area's arts and culture. From the town's ever-growing public art collection, and the philharmonic orchestra to the 7,000 seat arena, Allen gives back to the community by investing into its artistic and cultural landscape.
Parks And Recreation
The town of Allen is the current home to more than 56 miles of paved biking and hiking trails. Through continual and steady growth, Allen is slowly expanding the system, and getting closer to its ultimate vision of a complete trail system. Although, Allen is primarily focused on a citywide trail structure, the town has coordinated efforts with the neighboring areas of Frisco, Garland, Plano, McKinney, and Richardson in a six-city collaboration with plans to interconnect and link the trail systems of the 6 individual towns and cities.
Parks
- Allen Station Park
- Allenwood Park
- Bethany Lakes Park
- Bethany Ridge Park
- Bolin Park
- Bradford Crossing
- Bridgewater Crossing
- Celebration Park
- Cottonwood Bend Park
- Country Meadows Park
- Custer Meadows
- Dayspring Nature Preserve
- Ford Park East
- Ford Park West
- Glendover Park
- Green Park
- Greenville Heights
- Heritage Park
- Hillside Park
- Hillside Wellness Park
- Picnic tables
- Jupiter Park
- Liberty Garden
- Lost Creek Park
- Morgan Crossing
- Playground
- Quail Run
- Raintree Park
- Reed Park East
- Reed Park West
- Rolling Hills Park
- Shadow Lakes Park
- Spring Meadow Park
- Stacy Ridge
- Story Park
- Suncreek Park
- The Bluffs at Lost Creek
- The Trail at The Woods
- Twin Creeks Park
- Walden Park
- Waterford Park
- Watters Crossing Park
Golf The Courses at Watters Creek - Allen is home to a recently renovated golf facility with courses for those of all skill levels. The facility's lighted driving range and family friendly courses are ready for golfers of all ages.
Schools
School aged children in Allen are serviced by one of three independent school districts that currently serve the Allen area. Allen's three school districts provide many wonderful schools and educational opportunities all of Allen's children.
Allen Independent School District
- 15 elementary schools
- 3 middle schools
- 1 high school
Lovejoy Independent School District
- 4 elementary schools
- 1 middle school
Plano Independent School District
- 72 schools
